‘We have to’ – Erol Bulut confirms clear stance on Cardiff City star’s contract situation
Cardiff City captain Joe Ralls is out of contract in the summer and manager Erol Bulut has issued his stance on offering the player a new deal in an interview with Wales Online.
Cardiff City are in 14th place in the table as things stand and are nine points above the bottom three and 11 points outside of the top six. They will be hoping a run of form between now and the end of the season will be enough to help them bridge the gap and get into the play-off places
With their chances of achieving a top six decreasing week on week, they could soon have one eye on the summer window. Although incomings are likely, there could also be outgoings at the Cardiff City stadium.
A number of players are out of contract in June, with perhaps the most notable name on the list being Ralls. The 30-year-old has impressed in midfield this season, scoring once and assisting seven. Speaking to Wales Online, his manager Bulut expressed his desire to offer Ralls a new deal.
“We have to renew the contract,” he confirmed.
“In my opinion, he is an important captain of this team. Thirteen years he has been here. So, we cannot say, ‘Ah, at the end of the season, you go.’ This is my opinion. What other people think, I don’t know. This is my opinion about the captain and Joe Ralls, we have to renew his contract.”
A high priority
Cardiff City have secured deals for those approaching the end of their contract over recent months, but Ralls has not yet signed on the dotted line. With the season fizzling out the Bluebirds may soon turn their attention to getting the midfielder to committing his future to the club.
His performances have been exceptional in the Cardiff City midfield and so it shouldn’t be a question of if they offer a deal, but when. The Championship side won’t want to leave talks to the last minute as clubs could swoop to sign him on a pre-contract agreement ahead of a free transfer.
