Can striker Ivan Santini help Cardiff City avoid the drop this season?
Cardiff City have struggled on many fronts this season and this includes finding the back of the net with manager Neil Warnock using central midfielder Callum Paterson as a converted striker. While he does have Danny Ward and Gary Madine as potential options, their struggles in front of the goal have been evident. Using Paterson proved to be a masterstroke initially, with the 24-year-old scoring three in his first five appearances as a centre-forward.
But since then, Paterson has struggled to make an impact, scoring just one in his next 8 games as Warnock switched his team around looking to inspire something. With the January window up and running, it gives the Bluebirds a chance to find someone who can find the back of the net for them.
Warnock’s first-choice was Emiliano Sala but FC Nantes have rejected a move for their top scorer according to the BBC. Now, according to the Daily Mail, the Bluebirds are after RSC Anderlecht star Ivan Santini, who is flourishing since joining the club over the summer.
So far, the 29-year-old has scored 11 goals in 16 appearances in the Belgian Pro League, starting his season with not one but two hattricks in his opening two games. Since then, things petered out with the Croatian only managing only five in his next 13 games.
However, unlike Paterson, Santini would offer a lot to Cardiff City and would most certainly be whatever fee they’ll have to pay for the 29-year-old.
A six-foot-three centre-forward, Santini isn’t like most target men, offering a blend of subtlety and skill to his play. In fact, it’s his link-up play that will help Neil Warnock. Similar to Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, Santini certainly has the ability to flourish in the Premier League and given their troubles this season, he could be the Bluebird’s answer.
The question, however, is whether or not Cardiff City will actually take the plunge for the 29-year-old and whether Anderlecht will let Santini go. While the Belgian giants do have other options, the Croatian international is their main centre-forward right now and losing him could be a massive blow to any hopes they have at winning the title.
