By Gareth James
Omer Riza wants “three or four” new players in the January transfer window as he bids to keep Cardiff City in the Championship.
The Bluebirds manager has confirmed moves have been made to sign Peterborough United forward Ricky-Jade Jones – whose blistering pace and proven goal-scoring record have caught the Bluebirds’ attention – but the net is being cast wider.
Jones, 22, has netted 12 goals in 30 appearances this season for the League One club, but Cardiff are unlikely to be the only club keen to land player who is out of contract at the end of the season.
“There’s been discussions regarding Ricky-Jade Jones, and we will see how that progresses,” said Riza.
“At the moment, all we can say is that the discussions are taking place.
“Obstacles are in the way, which we’ve spoken about previously – whether players want to come to our club, whether we can afford to sign them, and whether it’s the right move for us and them.
“We have to make sure we get that right. But definitely, the process has begun for three or four players to come in.
“There’s a whole host of players we are looking at in respect of pace in the top line, creativity, and impact. He [Jones] is one of a list of players we’ve spoken about.”
Cardiff have held talks about signing Peterborough United forward Ricky-Jade Jones… ✍️
The 22-year-old has scored 12 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions this season.
Thoughts? #BBCFootball #CCFC pic.twitter.com/HBpxadPq4T
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) January 7, 2025
Jones, who reportedly has a 100m personal best of 10.9 seconds, would provide much-needed speed to Cardiff’s attack.
The Bluebirds, currently second from bottom in the Championship, are among the league’s lowest scorers, and Riza has identified pace and creativity as areas requiring urgent attention.
While Cardiff work on bringing players in, the club is also assessing loan moves for some of its young talents.
Joel Colwill, 20, is a strong candidate for a second loan spell this season. The midfielder has impressed during his stint at Cheltenham Town in League Two, scoring nine goals in 28 appearances and is attracting interest from League One clubs such as Exeter City, Bristol Rovers, and Bolton Wanderers.
“Definitely the latter two, Bristol Rovers and Exeter,” said Riza.
“Bolton, I think, have other players they’re looking at before Joel in different positions.
“He’s been brilliant. That’s credit to him and credit to Cheltenham for playing him and giving him the opportunity.
“He’s playing well and enjoying it. You need to be out of your comfort zone in order to improve and keep progressing.
“It will be interesting – it’s not definite he’s going anywhere. He might stay at Cheltenham, but he might also go out [on loan somewhere else]. That could last right up until the end of the window.”
Ricky Jade Jones has certainly got some pace, something we’re desperately in need of.pic.twitter.com/gn3JPT4Udz
— Bluebirds Past (@BluebirdsPast) January 6, 2025
Forward Michael Reindorf, 19, could also leave on loan if he recovers from an ankle injury.
Having started one game and made three substitute appearances for the Bluebirds this season, Reindorf is attracting interest from League Two and potentially League One clubs.
“He damaged his ankle and he’s rehabbing now. Maybe another week or two potentially,” said Riza.
“There’s potential for him to go out on loan if he’s fit enough. He’s got interest in League Two, potentially League One, but League Two probably. Good interest.”
Cardiff have also been linked with teenage Liverpool striker Jayden Danns, although Riza downplayed the speculation.
“We haven’t had discussions regarding Jayden Danns at present,” he said. “But there are a list of players we are looking at.”
Bolton Wanderers, Bristol Rovers and Exeter City are all interested in loaning Joel Colwill for the second half of the season.
A deal will of course only happen if we recall him.
I’m torn on this as he’s flourishing right now, don’t want to ruin that.
(@FootballLeagueW) pic.twitter.com/jD9r6YxD0L
— Ninian Talk (@Ninian_Talk) January 6, 2025
