**Andy Rinomhota Among Nine to Depart Cardiff City in Major Summer Overhaul**
Cardiff City have officially confirmed that midfielder Andy Rinomhota will be leaving the club at the end of June, amidst a significant shake-up that sees nine first-team players depart the Bluebirds this summer. Rinomhota, 28, exits after three seasons in the Welsh capital, with his contract set to expire at the close of the month as the club embarks on a major squad rebuild ahead of the new campaign.
Rinomhota’s time at Cardiff City Stadium began in summer 2022 following his move from Reading. Over his three-year spell with the club, he made a total of 84 senior appearances and established himself as a robust and energetic presence in the centre of the park. However, consistency eluded him due to stiff competition for a starting berth, varying tactical demands, and the club’s managerial instability in recent years.
Despite being loaned out to Rotherham United during the previous campaign, Rinomhota managed to work his way back into contention at Cardiff upon his return. His resilience paid off during the 2024/25 season, when he was honoured by his peers as the club’s Players’ Player of the Season—a testament to his professionalism and the respect he commanded within the dressing room.
Cardiff City released a statement acknowledging Rinomhota’s commitment and work ethic, expressing gratitude for his contributions both on and off the pitch. “Andy joined during the summer of 2022. He appeared 84 times for the Bluebirds across three seasons. His professionalism, tenacity and work rate endeared him greatly to the City support. We’d like to thank Andy for his service and wish him all the very best for the future,” the club said.
The midfielder’s departure is emblematic of a broader summer of change at Cardiff City. New head coach Brian Barry-Murphy is now tasked with the responsibility of rebuilding the squad and preparing for the challenges of the forthcoming season, after what was widely considered a disappointing 2024/25 campaign.
The announcement concerning Rinomhota came only hours after confirmation that club captain Joe Ralls would also be leaving. In addition to Ralls and Rinomhota, Cardiff have confirmed the exits of several other experienced squad members: Aaron Ramsey, Jamilu Collins, Raheem Conte, Anwar El Ghazi, Kieron Evans, Dimitrios Goutas, and Yakou Méïté. Significantly, the club did not reach new contract agreements with any of the outgoing nine whose deals are set to expire, signalling a clear intent to refresh the playing staff.
As Cardiff look to rebuild, attention will inevitably shift towards potential new arrivals in the transfer market. With multiple midfielders departing, defensive gaps to fill, and the apparent need for more pace on the flanks, it appears the club could be in for a busy summer as they prepare to contest League One next term. The recruitment drive will be a crucial test for the club’s hierarchy and new head coach, with supporters keen to see clear progress on and off the pitch.
Rinomhota departs the Welsh capital with an impressive pedigree, having previously made over 130 appearances for Reading prior to his time at Cardiff. Given his Championship and League One experience, he is expected to attract interest from various clubs across the English Football League.
The coming weeks will be pivotal not only for Rinomhota as he seeks the next step in his career, but also for Cardiff City, who are keen to put recent disappointments behind them and build a squad capable of mounting a genuine challenge in League One.
With a wave of departures now confirmed, the level of turnover makes this one of the club’s most notable overhauls in recent years. For supporters and league watchers alike, the focus is now firmly fixed on how the Bluebirds will reshape their identity under new management, as they seek a return to better fortunes.