**Cardiff City Transfer Round-up: Simic Set for Departure, Local Rivalry Returns, and Malaysian Test Added to Pre-season**
Cardiff City are poised for a summer full of intrigue, with transfer movements, a renewal of a traditional Welsh rivalry, and an international friendly lined up as part of their pre-season build-up. As preparations intensify for the new campaign, the Welsh capital’s club is already making headlines on several fronts.
One of the most notable stories emerging from the Bluebirds’ camp is concerning striker Roko Simic. The Croatian forward, who arrived last season but struggled to break into the senior squad, has been conspicuously absent from this week’s pre-season training at The Vale. After enduring a challenging spell on loan at Belgian side KV Kortrijk—where injuries, managerial changes, and limited opportunities thwarted his development—Simic returned to Cardiff in January seeking a fresh chapter. Nevertheless, he found himself sidelined once again, with neither Omer Riza nor Aaron Ramsey offering first-team chances, resulting in the 21-year-old featuring only for the under-21s.
Sources suggest Simic is now in Zagreb negotiating a move away from Cardiff City Stadium. While a permanent sale appears unlikely at this stage, a loan is widely tipped to be the favoured solution. NK Osijek stands out among the clubs reportedly interested in acquiring the former Croatia under-21 international’s services. Simic’s potential departure would signal the end of a frustrating period in South Wales, as he looks to reignite his career elsewhere.
Meanwhile, on the domestic front, Cardiff City’s supporters can look forward to a fixture steeped in history and local pride following the announcement of the Vertu Trophy group stage draw. The Bluebirds are set to face Newport County—a local rivalry that hasn’t been contested competitively for well over a decade. Both sides, along with Exeter City and an as-yet-unnamed Premier League under-21 side, make up Southern Group A for the newly-renamed competition, previously known as the EFL Trophy.
With the South Wales derby against Swansea City off the table this year—following relegation from the Championship—the clash with Newport is poised to reignite old passions. The last cup encounter between the two clubs in the 2008 FAW Premier Cup famously ended in a penalty shoot-out victory for County at Ninian Park, while their last league meeting saw Cardiff triumph 4-0 back in April 1988. For many fans, the upcoming match offers a rare opportunity to see two historic rivals meet with tangible rewards on the line.
The format of the Vertu Trophy ensures plenty of drama, with 64 clubs split into 16 groups across the country. In Group A, Premier League academy outfits—potentially including the likes of Arsenal or Chelsea—add another layer of intrigue to the competition, broadening the appeal for both players and spectators.
On the international front, Cardiff City have confirmed an intriguing addition to their pre-season itinerary. The Bluebirds will travel to Spain to take on renowned Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia on 9 July. JDT, currently boasting treble-winning status in Malaysia and guided by ex-Watford and Sheffield Wednesday manager Xisco Muñoz, will compete in the AFC Champions League Elite this season. This fixture marks the first time Cardiff will encounter a senior Malaysian side, underlining the growing links between the club and Southeast Asian football.
The match in Spain will offer manager Brian Barry-Murphy an ideal platform to experiment with squad options and gauge their readiness against a team of JDT’s calibre. JDT are not just dominant domestically but also provide a blend of international talent, Making them formidable opposition for Cardiff’s preparations. The encounter also reflects the wider ambitions shared by owner Vincent Tan, who has sought to foster football development routes between Malaysia and Wales in recent years.
Completing their warm-up schedule, Cardiff will face a string of friendlies, including matches against Southend United, Yeovil Town, Cambridge United (behind closed doors), Queens Park Rangers, and Notts County. Each fixture presents unique challenges, with the emphasis clearly on both player development and competitive sharpening ahead of what promises to be a challenging season.
All eyes now turn towards the evolving transfer situation, especially the expected exit of Roko Simic, integration of new recruits, and the opportunity for the club’s young talent to shine—both domestically and in the wider European football landscape. With the fresh campaign approaching, anticipation is building as Cardiff City aim to lay down solid foundations, reaffirm local bragging rights, and expand their global footprint in football.