Cardiff City will be optimistic about a strong Championship season ahead.
Last summer, the Bluebirds hired 49-year-old Erol Bulut, who, in his inaugural season, led the team to a comfortable 12th-place finish, following a few seasons of near-relegation to League One.
With the summer break to bolster his squad, bulut has already made notable signings. Chris Willock joined from Queens Park Rangers, where he scored 20 goals and provided 22 assists over four seasons. Additionally, former Arsenal and England defender Callum Chambers has reunited with ex-teammate Aaron Ramsey at Cardiff after several years in the Premier League.
The Cardiff squad is shaping up well for the next season, but important decisions loom regarding the long-term strategy. Thirteen first-team players are entering the final year of their contracts, so the Bluebirds will need to address these situations before next summer.
Football League World examines these 13 players whose contracts expire in 2025:
– **Dimitrios Goutas**: A key performer last season, Goutas was a reliable presence in defense, starting every league game and scoring four goals. At 30, his future with Cardiff is a significant consideration.
– **Callum Robinson**: After an injury-laden season with only nine Championship starts, Robinson remains a crucial player when fit. Cardiff will likely look to extend his contract if he can return to his previous form.
– **Callum O’Dowda**: Despite a challenging season with injuries, O’Dowda scored a crucial goal in the 99th minute against Ipswich Town. With his contract nearing its end, his future is uncertain.
– **Yakou Meite**: Signed from Reading last summer, Meite had a disappointing season with just two goals and one assist. He needs to impress Bulut to secure a contract extension.
– **Isaak Davies**: Having been with Cardiff since childhood, Davies’ current contract has one year remaining. After a successful loan spell in Belgium with 12 goals, he will be eager to prove himself in Wales.
– **Joe Ralls**: Cardiff’s captain and a seasoned player with nearly 400 appearances, Ralls remains vital to the team. His contract includes an option for an additional year, which is likely to be exercised.
– **Kion Etete**: Struggling for goals and facing a final chance to prove his worth, Etete scored only three league goals last season.
– **Aaron Ramsey**: Back with his boyhood club after a notable career, Ramsey has faced fitness issues but remains a fan favorite.
– **Mahlon Romeo**: Primarily a backup right-back last season, Romeo still managed eight starts. Entering the final year of his contract, his future is under review.
– **Jamilu Collins**: As the preferred left-back last season, Collins made 36 league appearances and provided four assists. Turning 30 soon, his contract status will need addressing.
– **Andy Rinomhota**: Linked with a move away this summer, Rinomhota may stay until his contract expires next year if no transfer materializes.
– **Jak Alnwick**: The 31-year-old goalkeeper made 24 starts and kept seven clean sheets last season. His future at Cardiff remains to be seen.
– **Kieron Evans**: Although Evans has been with Cardiff since 2007, he has yet to secure regular playing time. This final year of his contract is crucial for him to make an impression.
