It has been a strong start to the season for Cardiff City under new boss Erol Bulut, but they have dropped off in recent weeks suffering disappointing defeats to Birmingham City and a 3-0 defeat away to Hull City on Saturday afternoon.
It has been a big turnaround for the Bluebirds, who had spent the previous two season fighting relegation, being saved last term due to a six point deduction to eventually relegated Reading. The change in form is even more impressive considering the club was also under a transfer embargo in the summer, making it harder for the new boss to impose the changes he needed on his squad.
But with a strong start to his first campaign in charge, the embargo will be lifted in January, leaving the South Wales club to spend funds to improve the squad further in their quest for promotion back to the top level.
Here is a look at five potential signings that could make their way to the Cardiff City Stadium in January.
Harry Toffalo
The Nottingham Forest full back has fallen out of favour at the Premier League club, and left back is one position that Cardiff will be looking to strengthen during the January transfer window. The only currently fit left-back at the club is Jamilu Collins, who himself is coming off the back of a season out due to a knee injury. The understudy Callum O’Dowda is currently sidelined with injury, but Cardiff will look to move the Irishman further up the field if they can reinforce the position.
Jordan Thomas
The youngster has broken through at Bath City in the National League South and has had multiple Football League clubs scouting him over recent weeks. Cardiff have had a recent track record of bringing non-league talents in to the first team, with forward Ollie Tanner having a breakthrough season after joining from Lewes FC last campaign. The Bluebirds are set for competition from rivals Swansea City and Bristol City to secure the signature of Thomas if they are to go for it though.
Ali Al Hamadi
The Wimbledon striker has been in fine form so far this season getting 13 goals and six assists for the League Two side in all competitions. He has been watched by numerous clubs higher up the pyramid in the lead up to the January transfer window, and is one that Cardiff could look to chase as they look to add firepower to their squad, with the Bluebirds looking to beat Championship rivals Leeds United and Sunderland to the attacker.
Anastasios Bakasetas
The Greek midfielder has previously worked with Bluebirds boss Erol Bulut during his time in Turkey, and has been heavily linked with a move to the Cardiff City Stadium in January. His current club Trabzonspor had to release a statement after a former player of the club stated on twitter that a deal was already agreed between the two clubs, with the Turkish side reiterating that no deal had been agreed yet. Cardiff boss Bulut has also stated that it may be difficult to for the club to reach the wage demands of Bakasetas, but the rumours are still yet to go away in the lead up to the transfer window. The signing would add further quality to a strong midfield, alongside Manolis Siopis and the returning Aaron Ramsey.
Kieffer Moore
The Welshman was tasked by his international manager Rob Page to find a club where he will benefit from more regular first team football, for the nations play-off campaign in March for a spot at Euro 2024. Returning back to the club he joined Bournemouth from would be the perfect option for all involved. The Cherries are hoping to free up funds for a January spend to help them maintain their top flight status, and Cardiff are confident that they could land Moore to bolster their attacking threat.
