by Forever Blue » Mon May 22, 2017 10:39 am
Should Cardiff City push the boat out to secure a return for Joe Ledley?
By Jamie Kemble
Monday 22nd May 2017
Joe Ledley is set to leave Crystal Palace this summer and Cardiff fans can be forgiven for dreaming of a homecoming this summer.
The Welsh international will be looking for a new club this summer with his current deal at Selhurst Park coming to an end.
And Cardiff City fans will be hoping their club will be one of his potential suitors ahead of next season.
The Bluebirds certainly wouldn’t be alone in chasing the 30-year-old’s signature, but having come through the academy to make 229 senior league appearances with the club, Cardiff would almost certainly be favoured destination above any other Championship club if they expressed an interest.
The midfielder would also serve as a marquee signing for Neil Warnock to build his team around ahead of what’s set up to be a very promising campaign of next, and for free.
Although, the wages would be a potential sticking point with Ledley currently on a Premier League contract.
Cardiff are currently reducing their wage bill, but making an exception to bring Joe Ledley home, could be the best decision they make all season.
Ledley was a real fan favourite during his time in South Wales – he represented the passion in the stands on the pitch and gave the supporters a real sense of identity in their team.
And that was certainly helped by the fact he was involved in a memorable FA Cup campaign which saw Cardiff reach the final, as well as reaching the play-off final two years later.
After shedding plenty of tears on the Wembley pitch following that play-off final defeat, he moved on to Celtic, before current club Crystal Palace offered him his first taste of Premier League football.
Now, 30 years of age and seemingly looking for a new club after making just 18 Premier League appearances this season, it could be time for a return to where it all started.
It may be just a dream for Cardiff City supporters at present, but it’s something the club ought to seriously consider.
The club are starting to get things right on and off the pitch with the appointment of Neil Warnock and the subsequent purple patch under the new boss.
Supporters are eagerly awaiting next season and what it may hold for the Bluebirds, and what better way to kick-start the campaign than paving a return for Joe Ledley who still has a spot in every City fan’s heart.
And it certainly wouldn’t be sentiment alone that makes him a target – Ledley is an excellent midfielder who would be guaranteed a starting spot under Neil Warnock.
You need experienced heads in order to do well in the Championship, and with 72 international caps alongside more than 400 league appearances, Ledley fits the bill.
On a personal level, Ledley will be eager to stay at the highest level possible after three years in the top flight, but he needs to be playing much more regularly than he has this season – especially from Chris Coleman’s point of view.
Cardiff could without a doubt offer him that next season if they can juggle the finances and convince him to move back to South Wales.
The Bluebirds would have to move quickly if they wanted to gain an edge over stiff competition upon his contract expiry.
However, if they did manage to sign Joe Ledley this summer, then confidence in the Bluebirds’ promotion push, shirt sales and indeed ticket sales, could all receive a welcome boost this summer.
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