2 changes we could see at Cardiff City this summer

Cardiff City are edging towards the end of their final season of parachute payments in the Championship.

The Bluebirds finished in the play-offs, and lost to eventual winners Fulham in 2019/20, came close to repeating the feat in 2020/21, but have struggled to live up to the previous two campaigns this term.

With the payments not carrying over to next season, the Bluebirds have been preparing to adjust their recruitment strategy for a while now and look set to continue that sustainable approach under Steve Morison next season.

Here, we have taken a look at two changes we could see at Cardiff this summer…

A new number one goalkeeper

Alex Smithies has not been involved in the last five games for the Bluebirds, with an exit at the end of his contract this summer looking the most likely outcome.

Dillon Phillips is an able deputy and has been since signing at the end of the 2020 summer transfer window, but has struggled to replicate the form he showed for Charlton Athletic in 2019/20 in the Welsh capital.

Derby County’s Ryan Allsop is a target, according to WalesOnline, with the 29-year-old out of contract with the Rams this summer.

A new attacking focal point

Gareth Bale is nearing the end of his contract at Real Madrid, and the 32-year-old will need to find another club to stay fit next season, especially if Wales beat Scotland or Ukraine to qualify for the World Cup.

The Evening Standard believe that the versatile forward could sign a short-term contract with the Bluebirds, before hanging up his boots after the World Cup.

Bale would have to take an enormous pay cut to sign for the city of his birth, but with his career winding down, you can see the emotional pull for this move to happen.

When match sharp, which would be in