**Aaron Ramsey to Depart Cardiff City Amid Wave of Summer Exits**
Wales’ esteemed football captain, Aaron Ramsey, is set to bid farewell to Cardiff City this summer, following the club’s announcement of its retained list for the upcoming season. The veteran midfielder, who returned to his boyhood club for the 2023/24 campaign, is among seven senior players heading for the exit as the Bluebirds prepare for life in League One.
Ramsey’s second spell in South Wales has proven eventful, most recently characterised by his surprise stint as interim manager for the final three fixtures of a tough Championship season that ended with relegation. While some supporters and pundits had anticipated that Ramsey might remain at the helm, either on the pitch or as a potential permanent manager, the club has now confirmed his departure in an official statement.
Speculation over Ramsey’s future has been swirling in recent days, fuelled by reports linking the 34-year-old with a move to Mexican side Pumas. Sources close to the player have suggested he is eager to embrace a “new chapter” abroad, following lengthy negotiations in Cardiff that failed to result in a contract extension. Ramsey had the option of activating a one-year addition to his deal but ultimately chose to look elsewhere, marking the end of his emotional homecoming.
He is not leaving alone. Cardiff City’s retained list reveals a clear determination to rebuild, with six more first-teamers also heading for pastures new. Jamilu Collins, Raheem Conte, Anwar El Ghazi, Kieron Evans, Dimitrios Goutas, and Yakou Méïté will all be released upon the expiration of their contracts on 30 June.
While it is always challenging to part ways with established squad members, the club has also indicated positive discussions are ongoing with club captain Joe Ralls and midfielder Andy Rinomhota, both of whom could yet feature in Cardiff’s plans for the League One campaign. Their potential retention may provide the Bluebirds with valuable experience as they undertake a significant squad rebuild.
Turning attention to Cardiff’s developmental set-up, the club has demonstrated a commitment to nurturing upcoming talent. Eight promising under-21 players—Josh Beecher, Jake Dennis, Trey George, Ewan Griffiths, Luke Pearce, Michael Reindorf, Will Spiers, and Morgan Wigley—have seen their deals extended in a move designed to safeguard the club’s future playing stocks. Additionally, a contract offer has been tabled to Isaac Jefferies, while four graduating apprentices—Jake Davies, Alyas Debono, Daniel Ola, and Jac Thomas—have been offered professional terms.
Not every young player will be staying, however. As part of the annual cycle of reassessment, Freddie Cook, Cole Fleming, Adeteye Gbadehan, Baylin Johnson, and Joseph Thomas are set to depart, alongside former apprentices Joseff Edwards, Corey Foggarty, Osian Rees, and Lennon Talbot, all of whom are moving on after the conclusion of their training periods.
In a brief but heartfelt statement, the club expressed its gratitude to Ramsey and his fellow departees: “Aaron departs Cardiff City Stadium with our best wishes. We’d like to thank all of the leaving players for their efforts and wish them all the very best for the future.” The wording underscores the respect with which these players leave, despite the challenging circumstances that often surround such transitions.
With such significant player turnover, fans will be watching closely to see how the club repositions itself over the coming months. Cardiff face a pivotal summer—both in terms of recruitment and retaining core leadership—with the aim of returning the club to the Championship at the first attempt.
The full list of retained players for the 2025/26 season also includes several familiar names, including Jak Alnwick, Rubin Colwill, Perry Ng, Callum Robinson, and Ryan Wintle, among others. Their continued presence provides some continuity as Cardiff City seek to navigate yet another period of change.
As Cardiff City embark on what promises to be a transformative pre-season, supporters and observers alike will be particularly intrigued to follow Ramsey’s next steps—and the direction in which the Bluebirds now choose to soar.