Two players Cardiff City must sign in January to boost their survival hopes
Cardiff City were one of the best teams in the Championship last season and deserved to get promoted to the Premier League. However, things have been rocky for Cardiff in the Premier League.
The Bluebirds are yet to win a single game in the Premier League this term and were thrashed by champions Manchester City at home last weekend.
Manager Neil Warnock has done a good job for the Bluebirds since taking charge of the club but his team have failed to hit the ground running in the top-flight.
Cardiff last achieved Premier League promotion back in 2012/13 only to get relegated back to the second division and Warnock will be keen on avoiding a similar fate this time around. Although the Welsh club have shown the desire to fight, they clearly lack the quality to survive in the Premier League.
Here are two players, if signed in January, will help Cardiff avoid relegation this season.
Niclas Fullkrug (Hannover)
What Cardiff are currently lacking in the Premier League is goals. Summer signing Bobby Reid has failed to live up to the expectations and apart from him, one would wonder from where the goals are going to flow for the Bluebirds.
That being said, a big-name addition in the attack is definitely needed in January and Warnock must try pursuing Hannover centre-forward Niclas Fullkrug.
Fullkrug’s record in the Bundesliga is impressive and he would certainly fit the bill at Cardiff. A throwback to the old-fashioned, powerful target man, the 6ft 2in Fullkrug is blessed with strength and power but he also has a turn of pace to dodge past defenders in one blink of an eye.
Neil Warnock’s men play in a system that favours their striker and Fullkrug could profit immensely from it.
Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City)
Apart from the attack, the defence needs some strengthening as well. The current crop of defenders simply lacks the quality and Warnock must sign a centre-back in January.
Cardiff must make a move for Manchester City outcast Eliaquim Mangala to solidify their defence. Mangala has spent four disastrous years at the Etihad and is out of contract at the end of the season. City could do well by recouping some money by selling the Frenchman in January.
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A strong, powerful and a no-nonsense defender, Mangala is adept at reading the game and making strong challenges at the back. The Frenchman’s ball retention skills are good too and his signature in January could be vital for Cardiff’s survival in the Premier League.