How Can Cardiff City Fix Their Woeful Goalscoring Issues?

Cardiff City’s recent pre-season struggles under Erol Bulut to find the back of the net has left fans wondering what’s next for the Bluebirds in the transfer window.

As the 2023/24 season approaches, addressing this issue becomes paramount after an abysmal showing in the season last term.

However, what led to this drought and how can it be resolved?

Last season saw the Bluebirds embark on a tumultuous journey under rookie manager Steve Morison. The appointment of the ex-Cardiff player split the fanbase, sparking both support and frustration.

Morison’s tenure was marked by predictability in formation and playing style. Players like Max Watters were handed starts but produced lacklustre performances, stifling the attacking front. The Englishman’s defensive stance against journalists who criticized his decisions only fueled the fire, especially after a hectic 2022/23 summer transfer window.

By January 2023, Morison had been dismissed and the club was on a decline under successor Mark Hudson. The decision to appoint Hudson proved to be another mis-step, leading to his release mid-month.

Relief finally came in the form of Frenchman Sabri Lamouchi. His experience, along with personal touches like adding Cardiff icon Sol Bamba to his coaching staff, restored the connection with the fans.

Lamouchi’s decision to bring in Sory Kaba from FC Midtjylland on loan was instrumental with the forward netting eight vital goals in 17 games. His contribution narrowly kept Cardiff in the Sky Bet Championship, however, his return to his parent club leaves Cardiff once again without a prolific striker.

As the clock ticks down to the start of the EFL season, and with Erol Bulut at the helm, a pressing question hangs over Cardiff, who are faced with a transfer embargo: What options remain for the Welsh side to find the goalscoring solution they so desperately need before the transfer deadline?

The urgency of the situation has brought several tantalising prospects to the fore. Among the multitude of possibilities, three targets stand out as clear frontrunners, each offering a unique blend of skill, experience and potential to reinvigorate the Bluebirds’ attack.

Kieffer Moore

A sensational return for Welsh international Kieffer Moore could be on the cards.

Moore’s prolific performance was instrumental during Cardiff’s last positive era before his £5 million move to Bournemouth in January 2022.

Although he fulfilled his Premier League dream, Moore’s playing time has dwindled, potentially opening the door for a Cardiff comeback. The transfer embargo means a loan deal would be necessary with a fee paid in January or June next year, but this likely wouldn’t deter Cardiff from pursuing their last truly great striker.

Sory Kaba

Fans and teammates alike would likely welcome back Guinean striker Sory Kaba.

His previous flourish at the Cardiff City Stadium still resonates and a permanent move would be celebrated. He is rumoured to still love the club and would most likely relish the opportunity to return for another season.

Once again, the transfer embargo complicates matters and a loan agreement may be necessary until January 2024 when the embargo lifts. Unrealistic perhaps but not impossible.

Josh Maja

The final intriguing option is Nigerian forward Josh Maja, currently a free agent after his Ligue 1 club Bordeaux allowed his contract to expire.

Previously linked with the Bluebirds, the 24-year-old’s pace, wing play and potential for growth make him an enticing prospect.

Despite struggling for numbers in the Championship and Ligue 1, Maja’s talent is undeniable. As a free agent, his signing would be both practical and promising. If Cardiff can harness his prior form in League One and Ligue 2, he could emerge as a fantastic option for the Bluebirds.

The paths before Cardiff City are lined with opportunity and complexity. Whether seeking a familiar face in Kieffer Moore, a celebrated return for Sory Kaba or a fresh start with Josh Maja, each option carries its own allure and obstacles.

The transfer embargo adds a layer of intrigue, requiring creative negotiation and strategic timing.

It’s a puzzle that demands careful consideration and bold decision-making. As the transfer deadline looms, the Bluebirds find themselves at a crossroads.

The choices they make in the coming days could define their 2023/24 season, shaping the future of the club and potentially re-igniting the spark that has been missing in their attack.

Cardiff’s management, fans and players alike wait with bated breath, hopeful that the right moves will bring about a resurgence in goals and a return to form that propels them up the Sky Bet Championship table.