A round-up of all the Cardiff City news today after Brian Barry-Murphy’s press conference
Everything you need to know from a news-packed day for Cardiff City
- Cardiff City defender Gabriel Osho has suffered another major setback, sustaining a dislocated toe during the recent Vertu Trophy loss to AFC Wimbledon. Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy expressed the player’s profound frustration and suggested he may have rushed Osho into competitive action too soon.
- Despite the defender’s early difficulties and high-profile mistakes, Barry-Murphy remains convinced of Osho’s long-term importance to the squad. The manager stated that Osho’s positive influence and value are already evident to his teammates on the training ground and in the dressing room.
- Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy directly refuted recent media speculation that Cardiff City was targeting Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice. He confirmed unequivocally that there is “nothing at all” to the reports linking the Bluebirds with the 19-year-old talent.
- Conversely, Barry-Murphy admitted the club must prepare for significant Premier League interest in their own academy stars, specifically mentioning defender Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio. He acknowledged it would be “naïve” to assume that top-flight clubs, with seven reportedly tracking Lawlor, would not circle their emerging talents.
- The coach insisted that Cardiff City is under no financial obligation to sell any players during the upcoming January transfer window. He stressed that the club’s strategy to retain its prospects relies on offering them consistent and valuable first-team opportunities.
- Barry-Murphy spoke highly of 15-year-old prospect Axel Donczew, praising him as a “brilliant player” who is already considered ready for first-team selection if needed. Donczew, who became the club’s youngest-ever player earlier this season, proved his potential by hitting the crossbar in this week’s cup fixture with Wimbledon.
- Striker Yousef Salech was subject of transfer interest from Championship clubs last summer but said he wanted to remain at Cardiff City. The 23-year-old explained that he prioritised his long-term goal of playing in the Premier League, believing his current path under Barry-Murphy is the best strategic move.
- Former Cardiff City striker Cameron Jerome offered a mixed assessment of the club’s form, praising Barry-Murphy’s commitment to blooding in youngsters. While acknowledging their league-leading position after 16 games, he suggested the current squad has not shown the consistent performance levels of previous promotion-winning sides.
READ THE FULL STORY: Frustrated Cardiff City star suffers fresh injury blow with scan today
READ THE FULL STORY: Brian Barry-Murphy addresses Rangers transfer rumour as Cardiff City brace for January interest
READ THE FULL STORY: Barry-Murphy says ‘brilliant’ Cardiff City teenager is ready as Salech quizzed on summer interest
