Cardiff City
In: Solomon Kalou, Aaron Ramsey, Kenwyne Jones.
Out: Nicky Maynard, Tommy Smith, Etien Velikonja.
Newly-promoted Cardiff City, backed by their wealthy Malaysian owners, are likely to make some ambitious signings this summer after winning the Championship. The Welsh side have been linked with former Chelsea forward Solomon Kalou, who has had a decent spell in Ligue 1 with Lille and would add vital Premier League experience to the side. Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones should be available for around £7million, and is said to be another option for manager Malkay Mackay as he clearly makes attacking players a priority in this transfer window.
One move that would be very exciting for Cardiff fans would be the return of Aaron Ramsey to the club. The Wales international left Cardiff as a 17-year-old for his big move to Arsenal, though he hasn’t quite lived up to his potential at the Emirates Stadium, and could be one that Arsene Wenger would be tempted to sell for the right price. He has returned to the club on loan before, but would be a very useful signing if they could get him permanently.
Players to be shown the door will surely include Nicky Maynard, who has shown himself to be a decent goal scorer in the lower leagues, but who has struggled with injuries of late and is probably not ready for the Premier League. Tommy Smith was not a regular in the club’s promotion season, so it’s hard to see what he could offer in the top flight, and Etien Velikonja will surely be sold after failing to impress since joining the club last summer.