Cardiff City defender Jesper Daland is in talks to leave the club, head coach Brian Barry-Murphy has confirmed.
The Norwegian centre-back, signed from Cercle Brugge last year, has been absent from the Bluebirds’ last two matchday squads amid speculation over his future.
Daland endured a mixed first season in South Wales and was left out of the 2–1 Carabao Cup victory over Swindon Town on Tuesday night. Barry-Murphy, who took charge earlier this year, admitted the 24-year-old is exploring options elsewhere, though it remains unclear whether any move will be permanent or a loan.
Talks Underway Over Exit
Speaking to the media after the Swindon tie, Barry-Murphy confirmed Daland’s situation.
“Jesper’s in conversations with other clubs, so he’s not available. I don’t know if they’re close to leaving. I don’t think it’s right for me to say. Nathan (Trott) played, Matt Turner was on the bench. Ethan and Jack trained yesterday. And Jesper trained brilliantly yesterday.”
The coach also addressed ongoing speculation over Ethan Horvath and Jak Alnwick, who were also missing from the squad, but stressed he would not comment on their futures. He underlined his respect for contracted players and the importance of not discussing them in uncertain terms.
Transfer Business Still Expected
Cardiff have been quiet in the summer market, with goalkeeper Trott their only addition so far. If Daland departs, strengthening the defence is likely to become a priority before the 1 September deadline. Barry-Murphy reiterated that signings will be made, though he declined to commit to exact timings.
“We want to be a very dynamic team who excites the supporters, so the players that we bring into the club will possess those qualities to bring the game that we want to show to life. Even in Nathan Trott, he’s a very dynamic keeper who will improve a lot as we progress. Those traits will be evident in every player where we manage to bring them in.”
While acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the transfer window, he maintained confidence that reinforcements will arrive in time.
“I’m confident. We’ll definitely bring players in before the end of the window, but I don’t know when. My experience in this month of the window says the closer I think we are to one, the further away we are, and I think it’s unfair to supporters to give dates.”
Writer’s View
Daland’s potential exit adds to what has been a low-key summer for Cardiff in terms of incoming business. His departure would leave a gap in central defence, particularly with the season now underway, and would increase pressure to recruit quickly.
Barry-Murphy’s emphasis on energy and dynamism in his squad suggests any replacements will fit a clear playing identity. However, with just weeks left in the window, the club faces a race to ensure they are not left short in a key area of the pitch.
