**Cardiff City to Part Ways with Two Strikers as Brian Barry-Murphy Overhauls Transfer Strategy**
Cardiff City are preparing for significant changes on and off the pitch this summer, as newly appointed head coach Brian Barry-Murphy initiates a major shake-up of the club’s transfer and squad plans. The Bluebirds are set to bid farewell to forwards Roko Simic and Michael Reindorf, reshaping their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Both Simic and Reindorf were notable absentees from the opening week of pre-season training, fuelling widespread speculation that their departures are imminent. Sources suggest that both players, deemed promising assets under the previous regime, will depart in search of regular first-team football – a move that appears to align with Barry-Murphy’s vision for a streamlined and dynamic squad.
Since Barry-Murphy’s arrival last week, Cardiff’s summer recruitment plans have been placed under scrutiny. The club, which had initially been pushing forward with their transfer strategy, is now undergoing a reassessment as the new manager seeks to implement his own philosophy. It’s evident that Barry-Murphy values a different kind of squad structure, and these early moves indicate his determination to create a team that matches his footballing ideals.
Roko Simic, who was signed from Red Bull Salzburg last year, is currently in Croatia, with negotiations ongoing between Cardiff and a number of European outfits. While a final decision is yet to be reached, a loan move appears the most probable outcome at this stage – though all possibilities have not been ruled out. Simic was originally considered a key component of Cardiff’s long-term plans, but it seems the shifting priorities at the club have altered his trajectory.
Meanwhile, Michael Reindorf is heading out on loan to Newport County, hoping to recapture his early-season form after an underwhelming spell at Bristol Rovers where he made only four appearances. His season began with promise for Cardiff’s under-21 side, which led to a first-team call-up, but his move to the Gas did not fulfil expectations. This fresh start at Newport County could provide the platform he needs to progress.
The anticipated departures coincide with Cardiff’s preparations for their first League One campaign in more than two decades. Barry-Murphy, guiding the club through a period of transition, has made it clear he wishes to develop a smaller, more cohesive squad with a focus on youth. “I believe that a compact squad is key to fostering a culture of improvement, and it gives younger players a genuine chance to develop and play,” Barry-Murphy commented recently, underlining his commitment to providing academy players opportunities.
Cardiff supporters, ever-hopeful for new arrivals, are aware that needs remain in the squad, particularly in defence and on the wings. With nine out-of-contract players heading for the exit, and the return of loanees such as Will Alves and Sivert Mannsverk to their parent clubs, the exodus has left considerable gaps, especially after last season’s relegation.
Despite the reduction in squad numbers, Cardiff are not without options up front. Yousef Salech and Callum Robinson emerge as the senior strikers, while Kion Etete and Isaak Davies add to the list of attacking candidates. The club is placing its faith in a blend of youth prospects and seasoned professionals – a bold strategy that mirrors Barry-Murphy’s belief in self-sufficiency and growth from within.
With the new boss at the helm, further movement both in and out of the club is expected in the coming weeks, as Cardiff prepare for their season opener at home against Peterborough United on August 2. The coming days will be crucial as Barry-Murphy and his backroom staff look to finalise the squad and embed their fresh approach.
As this transition unfolds, Cardiff City fans will be keenly watching how Barry-Murphy’s philosophy takes shape on and off the field. The emphasis on homegrown talent and a focused squad could signal a new era at the Cardiff City Stadium – one in which opportunity, clarity, and cohesion become the hallmarks of the Bluebirds’ revitalised push for success.