Cardiff City backed for ‘no-brainer’ Chelsea transfer on one BlueCo condition | OneFootball

Omari Kellyman has been tipped for a swift return to the Welsh capital

Cardiff City endured a frustrating summer transfer window, but have been tipped to start their winter business with an eye-catching transfer deal.

The Bluebirds currently find themselves 21st in the Championship over the course of the season's first international break, having won just one of their first eight league games of the campaign.

That came last time out against Charlton Athletic with a 3-1 success at the Cardiff City Stadium, with Brian Barry-Murphy still in charge of one of the division's youngest squads whilst also suffering plenty of injury misfortune to key performers since the campaign got underway in mid-August.

It has been claimed that the Bluebirds are in a false position due to their underlying numbers, as they haven't translated into results on the pitch, with their success over the Addicks keeping them just outside the relegation zone.

Barry-Murphy clearly has an eye for talent, having worked with the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer whilst in charge of Manchester City's Elite Development Squad, and the ability to work with some of the country's most highly-rated prospects was a key factor in Cardiff's promotion from League One, as Omari Kellyman played a starring role on loan from Chelsea.

Cardiff City backed to seal Omari Kellyman, January loan reunion

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However, since returning to Stamford Bridge and joining another side connected to the BlueCo ownership web, RC Strasbourg, the 21-year-old has only played once in Ligue 1.

This comes after the Derby native posted 11 goals and two assists in 42 matches across all competitions for the Bluebirds last term, and there was talk over a reunion being sealed in the summer.

Despite missing out on his services then, Football League World's Cardiff City fan pundit, Matt Hall, believes a loan deal could be agreed in January on one condition.

"I definitely think we should sign Omari Kellyman in January," he told FLW. “I think a signing in football is, as much as anything, a boost to the fanbase and a way of freshening things up.

“I think part of the issue of not signing enough players in the summer was that it didn't quite give you that excitement and buzz. It was a bit of a buzzkill, if anything, the way the transfer window ended.

“I think if you can get Omari Kellyman over the line early in the January window, that would be a big boost to the squad," Hall explained.

“You look at someone like him, all the reports suggested that he was desperate to come back here. Let's be honest, he didn't go to Strasbourg for footballing reasons, and he's not getting a sniff now, so he'll be desperate to go.

“I think if he was to sign, I would be a bit wary of only signing him for the six months, because I think we've been messed around with him quite a lot by BlueCo and the Chelsea ownership," he claimed.

"I would want to be looking at having an option-to-buy or an option for the loan to be extended to the end of the season after, because I think we've done a lot of good work for Chelsea with his development, and we've not really had the fruits of that.

“He's obviously such a big boost to the squad, in terms of his versatility as well. He can play on the right wing, he can play up front, he can play as a 10.

“I think his adaptability to the way we play as well will be huge. Having him as an option as a false nine, I think, in certain games at Championship level, he could really thrive in that position," Hall continued.

“He bought into the club so well, and I think it would be a no-brainer to get him back if we can. And personally, I'm confident that it’s one that will happen.”

Omari Kellyman could bring added flair to Cardiff City once again

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Cardiff had only averaged one goal in their first seven games before earning the crucial victory over Charlton last time out, which would have been cause for early concerns given the creativity which does run through the side.

Jack Moylan has netted three times since his summer switch from Lincoln City and has also posted one assist, with Yousef Salech and Cian Ashford the next in line with three goal contributions apiece.

Therefore, with Kellyman able to slot into various roles, as was seen last campaign, he could bring the added flair which had been missing to Barry-Murphy's squad in order to mount a successful survival bid.

Omari Kellyman can't afford stagnation in this period of his career

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The attacking midfielder has turned out for both England and Northern Ireland at youth level, and after impressing in Aston Villa's academy setup, was handed six senior appearances at Villa Park.

However, in June 2024, he was signed by Chelsea for £19m on a six-year contract, but has been sparsely utilised by the West London side, even at academy level, which has led to serious question marks over where his future lies despite the obvious talent.

It is clear that his loan move to France isn't working out, meaning that a return to the Welsh capital, where he is familiar with the management staff and the majority of the squad, could get the best out of Kellyman once again, and it would certainly benefit the Bluebirds in their current situation.