3 Players Cardiff Should Sign To Achieve Top-half Premier League Finish Next Season
Cardiff City will be playing Premier League football in the 2018/19 season. The Bluebirds managed to seal automatic promotion back to the English top-flight under the guidance of manager Neil Warnock, finishing 2nd in the EFL Championship with 90 points from 46 games, behind champions Wolves.
This marks the Welsh outfit’s first promotion back to the Premier League since they last achieved it back in 2012/13 only to get relegated back to the second division, courtesy of a bottom finish in the top tier. Warnock will be keen on avoiding a similar fate and for that to happen, a lot will depend on how the Bluebirds go about their business in the summer transfer window.
Here are three players, if signed, will help them put up a strong fight on their return to the Premier League and help them achieve a stunning top-half finish.
Ryan Fredericks (Fulham)
The 25-year-old Fulham right-back is out of contract at the end of the season and is someone that Cardiff and Warnock should definitely consider looking at in the summer.
Fredericks has been the best right-back in the Championship this season, evident from the fact that he featured in both the EFL Championship Team of the Year and the PFA Championship Team of the Year as well. The Englishman made 44 appearances in the second division, assisting 9 goals in the process.
With the pace, the width and the attacking impetus that he would provide from the right-back position, coupled with his defensive stability, Fredericks could prove to be a great addition, especially considering that he might come in on a free transfer.
Jay Rodriguez (West Bromwich Albion)
A striker with proven pedigree and experience at this level usually proves to be worth his weight in gold. It is something that the current Cardiff City squad lacks. While Kenneth Zohore and Gary Medine have done a solid job this season, signing someone like Jay Rodriguez would prove to be a great investment for the club.
The 28-year-old has had a fairly decent campaign on a personal level for West Bromwich Albion, scoring 11 goals in all competitions, but the Baggies have ended up getting relegated. A player with 140 appearances in the Premier League, in which he has contributed 33 goals and 14 assists, Rodriguez’s know-how and experience will be extremely handy for the Bluebirds on their return to the top-flight.
Joe Allen (Stoke City)
Another player who has proven himself at the Premier League level for quite a number of years now but has been relegated this season, is Stoke City’s Joe Allen.
The Wales international has been one of the Potters’ better performers this season, with 4 goals and 7 assists from 37 appearances across all competitions. A tenacious and energetic presence in the middle of the park, the 28-year-old will strengthen the Cardiff squad with his ability to have an impact on the game.
With close to 200 top-flight appearances with clubs like Swansea City, Liverpool and Stoke, Allen has accumulated a wealth of experience and coupled with his leadership abilities, the Welshman could prove to be a great capture for Warnock’s side.