Need for speed - Cardiff's summer transfer plans

Cardiff City made an instant return to the Championship by winning automatic promotion from League One this season, their first campaign in the third tier for more than two decades.

It's been a month since the Bluebirds sealed promotion, so work is already under way to ensure they stay clear of relegation next season.

Player recruitment – and retention – lead the agenda as head coach Brian Barry-Murphy weighs up how much he will need to strengthen his young side.

As Cardiff brace themselves for an important summer, BBC Sport Wales analyses their options and needs as they prepare for life back in the Championship.

As impressive as Cardiff were for much of this season, they will have to bolster their ranks to account for the significant gulf in quality between League One and the Championship.

Barry-Murphy has chosen to keep a relatively small squad and, while there will be a need to improve the strength in depth, the Irishman's mantra in the transfer market has always been "quality over quantity".

Their first bit of business has been to turn goalkeeper Nathan Trott's loan into a permanent signing, a smart move given his excellent shot-stopping and ability on the ball which has helped Barry-Murphy instil his enterprising style of play.

Cardiff will look to strengthen at full-back, with competition needed for Perry Ng on the right flank and Joel Bagan on the left in defence.

The Bluebirds' midfield could do with more physicality and dynamism too, while some added pace on the wings would be welcome.

Broadly speaking, if there are upgrades out there, Barry-Murphy will be interested wherever they are on the pitch.

But he has already said he will be giving his young players, integral to this season's success, a chance to prove they can flourish in a higher division.

Midfielder Ryan Wintle is leaving having said his departure was "out of my control", while Ng has agreed a new contract until 2028 and Bagan has signed a new deal which runs until 2030.

All three enjoyed excellent seasons, with Bagan earning a place in the League One team of the season and Wintle named Cardiff's player of the year.

However, Barry-Murphy seemingly wants to take his team in a different direction. While that might surprise some, the head coach appears to have the support of most fans having made a similar decision to release former club captain Joe Ralls last year.

Omari Kellyman has returned to Chelsea after his season-long loan ended. It remains to be seen whether the 20-year-old returns for a second spell.

The same is true of left-back Calum Scanlon, who had less of an impact during his loan from Liverpool.

Dylan Lawlor enjoyed a spectacular breakthrough season for club and country, establishing himself as a first-choice centre-back for Wales within months of making his senior debut.

The 20-year-old academy graduate has been linked with Bayern Munich, whose boss Vincent Kompany had Wales head coach Craig Bellamy as his assistant at Burnley and Anderlecht.

Premier League clubs are also tracking Lawlor, a lifelong Cardiff fan. His fellow supporters will hope Barry-Murphy can convince him to stay.

If Lawlor goes, Cardiff will need to replace him. Barry-Murphy rotated four centre-backs effectively in 2025-26, though some would argue for a need to strengthen there even if Lawlor stays.

Full-backs are more of a priority. Even with Bagan and Ng signing new contracts, there is little in the way of cover.

Central midfield is well stocked, but lacks the kind of athletic, imposing option that most competitive Championship teams possess.

Perhaps the attribute Cardiff lack more than any other is genuine pace, so Barry-Murphy could look to address that by signing a winger or two.

Yousef Salech is the clear first choice up front but, when he was out injured for a large chunk of this season, his apparent understudy Callum Robinson did not get much of a look-in as Barry-Murphy played the likes of Kellyman and Rubin Colwill instead.

With those selections in mind, it is possible the head coach may look to add to his forward options.

Goalkeepers

Nathan Trott (under contract until 2029), Harry Tyrer (2029), Matt Turner (2028).

Defenders

Joel Bagan (2030), Gabriel Osho (2029), Ronan Kpakio (2029), Will Fish (2028), Dylan Lawlor (2028), Jesper Daland (2028), Calum Chambers (2027), Perry Ng (2028).

Midfielders

Rubin Colwill (2030), Joel Colwill (2028), Alex Robertson (2028), David Turnbull (2027), Eli King (2027).

Forwards

Yousef Salech (2030), Cian Ashford (2030), Ollie Tanner (2029), Isaak Davies (2029), Roko Simic (2028), Callum Robinson (2027), Chris Willock (2027).