As Cardiff City’s season draws to a close, Steve Morison and his side can breathe a sigh of relief having secured survival and another season of Championship football next year.
However, after a 1-0 home loss to promotion-chasing Luton Town on Easter Monday, the Bluebirds have now lost a league-high 12 games at home this term. Speaking afterwards, Morison was quick to point out that a recruitment reshuffle is on the cards this summer as he looks to bring more experience and footballing nous to his side. Ten players are out of contract, and loan deals are also up in the capital. There are some big decisions ahead.
Here, we take a look at some of the young players who could be loaned out for the 2022/23 season, to best prepare them for first-team action at Cardiff City stadium in the coming years.
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Sam Bowen
The 21-year-old hasn’t featured in a matchday squad since Mick McCarthy’s departure in October last year. His subsequent injury and stiff competition for places has meant the Welsh youngster has been nowhere near the fray of challenging for a spot in central midfield.
However, there are hopes that the Wales Under-21 international can deliver on the promise that saw Ryan Wintle sent out on loan to Blackpool last summer on his behalf. Wintle was recalled in January by Morison and has since been a revelation, pushing Bowen further down the pecking order.
In the meantime, a loan to the lower leagues seems a sensible option for all parties – Bowen can get some much-needed minutes and Morison can look from afar, with a recall always possible.
Max Watters
The most expensive Cardiff City signing since 2019, bar Kieffer Moore, Watters has had a rollercoaster season. The signing from Crawley Town arrived with expectation to match his price tag, but has failed to hit the heights thus far.
The 23-year-old has proven he can score in League Two, having scored 13 in 15 games for the Reds before his arrival at the Welsh capital, but has struggled in the Championship, and was hauled off after 37 minutes against Coventry in February. Injury has curtailed his season too, but with Jordan Hugill and Uche Ikpeazu heading back to Norwich City and Middlesbrough respectively this summer, Watters does have a window of opportunity; whether Morison hands him a shot remains to be seen. A loan away - like his stint at MK Dons - cannot be ruled out.
Oliver Denham
Having been in the matchday squad 13 times, but only featuring once this season, Denham is another Welsh youngster who could benefit from a spell getting minutes under his belt. The ex-Manchester United youngster was signed for the-then Cardiff Under-23s boss Morison in 2020 and is still only 19.
The centre-back may be hoping for some minutes now that Morison’s side are mathematically safe, but will be looking for a more regular fixtures next season to aid his development.
James Connolly
The 20-year-old Englishman was signed from Blackburn in June 2021. Having been loaned out to League Two outfit Bristol Rovers in January of this year, Connolly has impressed. The centre-back slotted immediately into Joey Barton’s starting XI and has been integral to the side’s push for a play-off place in recent months.
Another loan to a side in League One, or Rovers again if they gain promotion, seems sensible before he is ready for the demands of a full season in the Championship with the Bluebirds.
Eli King
Morison has been singing King’s praises ever since he took over Cardiff Under-23s. The youngster was handed his first-team debut in McCarthy’s final game in charge, before he was chosen to start against Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Anfield back in February.
Having seen fellow academy graduates Isaak Davies and Rubin Colwill break into the first team, King will be looking to emulate them. A possible loan in 2022/23, perhaps to League One, will ensure he is ready for regular first-team action under Morison when he returns.
Jai Semenyo
Signed from non-league Mangotsfield United, Semenyo looks like he could be one for the future. Younger brother of Bristol City’s Antoine Semenyo, football is in his genes. He was another who was handed his senior debut in the FA Cup against the Reds in February. The right-back was given a one-year contract in June last year but is likely to be offered an extension.
The 18-year-old has been playing for the under-23s and certainly has time on his side. A loan next season could stand him in good stead for first-team action in the Welsh capital.
