‘We have no option’ – 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 announced his opinion on offering the player a new term 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 conclusion of the season will be enough to allow them cross the gap and climb into the play-off places.

With their prospects of securing a top six reducing week on week, they could soon have one eye on the summer window. Although incomings are probable, there could also be outgoings at the Cardiff City stadium.

A handful of players are out of contract in June, with possibly the most noteworthy name on the list being Ralls. The 30-year-old has impressed in midfield this season, scoring one and assisting seven. Speaking to Wales Online, his manager Bulut underlined his willingness 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 view. 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 sealed terms for individuals approaching the end of their contract over recent months, but Ralls has not yet signed on the written line. With the season fizzling , the Bluebirds may soon shift their attention to getting the midfielder to pledge his future to the club.

His performances have been superb in the Cardiff City midfield and thus 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.

Even if the Bluebirds choose to move in a different way, he has demonstrated his worth and the manager has spoken his opinion and wants him to stay. This could and perhaps should be enough for the board to take the plunge and enter into talks with the player.