The £0 Cardiff City masterstroke that changed the Bluebirds' fortunes - Neil Warnock gamble created a legend | OneFootball

Cardiff City's decision to sign Sol Bamba proved to be a masterstroke.

When Neil Warnock took over at Cardiff City in October 2016, the Bluebirds were in disarray and required leaders.

Warnock, an expert in creating something out of nothing in the EFL, had taken yet another challenging job, with Cardiff left in the relegation zone after a dismal start to the season under Paul Trollope.

The Yorkshireman explored the free agent market to seal moves for the likes of Marouane Chamakh, Brian Murphy, Kieran Richardson, Sol Bamba and Junior Hoilett — but only the latter two would become real successes in South Wales.

Few could have imagined that his decision to bring in the late, great Bamba on a free transfer would prove to be one of the most inspired moves in the Bluebirds' modern history.

Warnock went on to do the unthinkable during his time in South Wales by guiding Cardiff to the Premier League in 2018, and the experienced defender was the beating heart of a highly stubborn and battle-ready Bluebirds side.

Sol Bamba immediately marked his importance at Cardiff City

After leaving Leeds United, Bamba joined Cardiff as a free agent. He quickly made his mark by scoring a debut winner against rivals Bristol City in the Severnside Derby, instantly endearing himself to fans.

With bags full of personality and presence at the back, Bamba instantly improved Cardiff’s defence precisely when it was needed, and his influence became even more vital as he progressed into his first full season with the club.

Forming a rock-solid partnership with Sean Morrison, Bamba led a defensive unit that conceded just 39 Championship goals.

Cardiff were extremely difficult to beat, and knew how to win football matches. They were promoted to the Premier League alongside Wolves after an incredibly tight and competitive Championship campaign.

Bamba's consistency, dominance and experience earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Season, and he was set to play Premier League football for the first time in his career.

Sol Bamba is a legend forever remembered at Cardiff City and beyond

Bamba's impact continued after Cardiff's return to the top flight. Throughout the season, the Bluebirds were embroiled in a relegation battle, but their resilience kept them competitive and never too far from the rest of the pack.

His final Premier League appearance came in March that season when, at 34, he suffered a ruptured cruciate knee ligament during an away match against Wolves.

Without Bamba, the Bluebirds won just twice before relegation was confirmed. The Paris-born former Ivory Coast international was one of Cardiff's most inspirational performers and scored four goals, most notably a dramatic late winner at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.

He remained with Cardiff for two more seasons, but only played 12 more league matches, during which time he battled with and recovered from non-Hodgkin lymphoma — embodying the warrior spirit he displayed each and every time he pulled on Cardiff colours.

He eventually left for Middlesbrough at the end of the 2021 season, reuniting with Warnock at the Riverside Stadium.

When it comes to value for money, the decision to bring Bamba to Cardiff stands out as one of the best pieces of business in Championship history. He was a leader, a character, and could be described as an extension of Warnock on the pitch. He embodied everything Cardiff represented during his time at the club.

Following his untimely passing in 2024 at the age of 39, which received an outpouring of emotional triubutes both within the Welsh capital and across the footballing world, a memorial has recently been unveiled to honour the defender's remarkable career and lasting legacy in Cardiff.

Bamba was a fantastic defender who embodied both Cardiff and the EFL as a whole, and his absence is still deeply felt. As the beating heart of an excellent Cardiff side, he was the perfect influence to guide the Bluebirds back to the Premier League for the first time since 2013, and someone who Cardiff supporters will always treasure.