Dylan Lawlor to leave Cardiff City? 'Best option' claim issued as West Ham circle | OneFootball

FLW's Cardiff City fan pundit has given his verdict on West Ham's interest in Dylan Lawlor

Cardiff City are preparing for their return to the Championship after Brian Barry-Murphy’s side clinched promotion at the first time of asking.

The Irishman was appointed last summer following the Welsh outfit’s relegation to League One.

He oversaw a second place finish, with the team comfortably clearing third place Stockport County by 14 points.

It is set to be a busy summer ahead for the club, as they look to build a team capable of competing in the second tier.

Barry-Murphy has built a reputation as an exceptional coach, particularly for his work in developing younger players.

One of those young stars, Dylan Lawlor, is now reportedly on the radar of West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League.

Cardiff can’t agree Dylan Lawlor sale

Action Images

When asked about West Ham’s interest in Lawlor, and what kind of asking price the club could set for him, FLW’s Cardiff fan pundit Matt Hall claimed that it would have to take at least £15 to 20 million in order to consider a sale.

However, he believes there are two major factors that will likely keep the defender with the Bluebirds beyond this summer, with a move away unlikely at this stage.

“I’m personally feeling like we should hold out for the £15 to 20 million figure,” Hall told Football League World.

“I’m sure West Ham can finance that deal for starters, so if they really want him then I think they could.

“However, on a personal level, I can’t see Dylan Lawlor wanting to go there.

“I think Lawlor’s got lots of interest, I think it’s easier to say what teams are not interested in Lawlor at this stage.

“I do think BBM is a big factor in his future, I think that him being such a fully fledged Cardiff fan is a big factor in his future.

“I think if he is to go it would be the right club and the right opportunity.”

Hall believes that a move abroad is the most likely option for Lawlor, if he was going to depart Cardiff, but that he ultimately thinks at least one more year with the club should be their target.

“If I had to gamble on saying who he would go to, I would suggest saying maybe a team abroad, rather than a team domestically, especially that West Ham are in the same division,” he added.

“I think that while the money will be very attractive I’m sure, to the football club and to everyone else, I think that BBM will say to Dylan that ‘Look, if you’re going to go to somewhere, go somewhere above Championship level that’s going to guarantee you some football, don’t go to a team that’s also in the Championship’.

“I don’t think that we lose a huge amount by demanding a lot of money and not seeing him go this summer.

“I think that he would command an equal amount, if not more, even if his contract is one year closer to expiring.

“So, for me, I think the best option for the club, and what will happen, is we will hold onto him for one more season.”

Lawlor has come through the ranks of the Cardiff academy system, and has cemented himself as an important part of the side this season.

While his debut came in the previous campaign in a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa in the FA Cup, it wasn’t until this term when he really stepped into the first team squad properly.

The Welshman made 32 appearances in League One, starting on 27 occasions, as the team secured a top two spot in the table.

Lawlor contributed two goals and two assists, with his strike in a 4-3 win against Leyton Orient opening his account for the club.

The 20-year-old has a contract with the Bluebirds until June 2028, giving Cardiff a strong negotiating position this summer.

Barry-Murphy will now be hoping that he can make the step up to the Championship, having played just once in the competition before in his career.

Lawlor came off the bench in a 4-2 loss to Norwich City on 3 May 2025, with the team’s relegation to League One already confirmed at that stage.

Action Images

Cardiff don’t need to cash in on Dylan Lawlor this summer

Lawlor is still only 20-years-of-age and is already attracting major interest in his services, which is a ringing endorsement of his performances this season.

The defender has time on his side, and doesn’t need to rush into a big summer move in this transfer window.

Spending another year with Barry-Murphy, gaining valuable experience in the Championship with consistent game time, would be the right move for his career.

While West Ham will likely be in the mix for automatic promotion, there are no guarantees he will be playing every week, so he would be better off staying at Cardiff for the time being.