**Championship Clubs Circle as Cardiff City Stars Attract Interest from Former Teams**
In what could herald yet more transfer activity at Cardiff City this summer, two established figures in the Bluebirds’ squad are reportedly being eyed for potential moves by sides in the Championship. The speculation swirling around forwards Callum Robinson and Callum O’Dowda comes at a critical juncture, following a period of notable contributions and leadership from both players during their time in the Welsh capital.
Callum Robinson, who concluded the 2024/25 campaign as Cardiff’s top marksman, and Callum O’Dowda, a regular stand-in captain, have become integral to the club’s on-field fortunes. Both are highly valued for their experience and performance at this level, making the interest from Championship clubs perhaps unsurprising. The early transfer window noise suggests that the duo remain in-demand talents.
Irish publication the *Irish Examiner* has linked Robinson with a possible return to Preston North End, a club where the forward is already fondly remembered. The versatile 30-year-old initially made his mark at Deepdale during two productive loan spells, eventually signing on a permanent basis from Aston Villa and notching up an impressive 29 goals in 110 league outings. Robinson’s subsequent transfer to Sheffield United in 2019 briefly interrupted his ascent, but his form at Cardiff has ensured his reputation in the division endures.
Simultaneously, O’Dowda is drawing admiration from Oxford United, where he first came through the youth system before progressing to the professional ranks. Now also 30, O’Dowda spent three seasons at Oxford during their League Two days prior to a career step-up with Bristol City in the Championship. Both players’ potential moves have an added narrative twist, as their former clubs make overtures to bring them home.
Importantly, Robinson and O’Dowda have already demonstrated their commitment to Cardiff by penning new contracts earlier this year. Robinson’s deal runs through to 2027, whilst O’Dowda’s extends a year further, until 2028. Any club looking to lure either player away from Cardiff City Stadium will likely be required to table a significant bid to secure their services, given both their years remaining and recent on-pitch importance.
Nevertheless, Cardiff’s ongoing search for a new manager may prove pivotal in how these transfer discussions unfold. Club insiders suggest that before any major departures can be rubber-stamped, the managerial appointment must take place. However, financial realities and the need for a refreshed approach after a challenging campaign may still lead to notable roster changes in the weeks ahead.
Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman recently addressed the topic of squad restructuring. With no fewer than 33 registered first-team players, Dalman made it clear that an overhaul is anticipated. The intention is to whittle the group down to a more manageable 25 or 26, with several out-of-contract players likely to exit in the close season. Such measures could prompt further movement for contracted squad members if appropriate offers are received.
This approach has already manifested in a string of departures, including high-profile names such as Aaron Ramsey, Anwar El Ghazi, Yakou Meite, and Dimitrios Goutas. The ongoing negotiations with other first-teamers, namely Andy Rinomhota and Joe Ralls, reinforce the notion that a new-look Cardiff could soon be unveiled.
As the summer transfer window gathers pace, all eyes will be on whether Robinson and O’Dowda remain central to Cardiff City’s forthcoming campaign, or if reunions with their old clubs now beckon. Either way, their futures are certain to be a point of considerable interest amongst supporters both in Wales and beyond.