Why Cardiff could complete the bargain of the summer by landing Rangers star Josh Windass for just £3m
According to reports, newly-promoted Premier League side Cardiff City are preparing to trigger Rangers midfielder Josh Windass’ £3m release clause this week.
Former Rangers boss Mark Warburton brought Windass to Ibrox from Accrington Stanley on a four-year deal in 2016. The 24-year-old signed a fresh four-year contract back in January which contains a £3m buyout clause.
After scoring 18 goals last season, new Rangers manager Steven Gerrard would have preferred to keep Windass at Ibrox but he could be left with no choice if Cardiff meet the player’s buyout clause.
After a difficult first season in Scotland, Windass enjoyed a much more successful campaign in front of goal last term.
Cardiff City have been very busy in the transfer market after earning promotion back to the Premier League. Manager Neil Warnock has already signed the likes of winger Joshua Murphy, goalkeeper Alex Smithies and striker Bobby Reid but he wants to add more players to his squad in the summer.
The Bluebirds have to make quality signings if they are to keep their Premier League status beyond the 2018/19 campaign. But Warnock has a tight budget to work upon and considering that, the veteran manager should eye bargain deals.
A £3m move for Windass would be perfect in that sense as the 24-year-old’s arrival would bolster Cardiff’s midfield options. Despite not being a striker, Windass managed to score 18 goals for Rangers last season – an impressive record. Joe Ralls and Callum Paterson have been constant goalscoring threats for Cardiff and the addition of Windass would further add more potency to their midfield.
At Cardiff, Windass would be able to offer creativity and guile from the No.10 position or from wider areas. He is quick, intelligent and his overall work-rate and technical abilities would make him a perfect fit at Cardiff under Warnock.
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He would be an upgrade to Craig Bryson if played centrally or a deputy to Junior Hoilett on the wing.
So without a shadow of a doubt, Windass would massively improve Cardiff. The attacking midfielder would be a great signing for the Bluebirds, especially as he is available for just £3m.