Three budget-friendly No. 9 options Cardiff City could consider signing
Cardiff City have been struggling in their first season in the Premier League with Neil Warnock’s side failing to find the back of the net on more than one occasion. Their top scorer is Callum Paterson, who has managed to score 4 in 16 appearances with Josh Murphy a close second with 3 in 16 appearances.
Their 19 goals have been enough so far to keep them just ahead of the relegation zone but given their next few fixtures, things may get tougher.
Cardiff City will face a number of tough sides this month, which makes it a tough January for Neil Warnock and his men. But if they do decide to splurge a little over the winter window, while their main targets will be defensive and midfield, they also need to buy a goal-scoring forward.
That being said, here are a few budget-friendly options.
#3 Chris Wood
A no-nonsense centre-forward, Chris Wood’s form this season hasn’t been the best but then again, neither has Burnley’s. Last season, the dark horses were at their very best, finishing the season in a Europa League spot. That combined with the pressure this season has seen Burnley struggle and they currently sit 18th on the table with only two points separating them and Huddersfield.
But what makes Wood a lethal forward is his style of play. It suits the Premier league perfectly and could work wonders for Cardiff City. His goalscoring prowess was there for all to see last season, as he netted 12 in all competitions and the season before, where he hit 27 in the Championship.
This simply means that he can score goals when required, making him a great choice.
#2 Lucas Alario
The Argentine has struggled to find playing time this season with Bayer Leverkusen, making just 20 appearances so far but that hasn’t stopped him from scoring goals. In just five appearances in the Europa League, Alario has scored four goals and while he started the season as the main striker, form issues saw him benched.
But that issue has been solved now, with the 26-year-old adjusting to becoming a super sub, scoring two goals in his last four appearances for Leverkusen. His lack of game time combined with Cardiff’s need for a striker could see the Bluebirds target the Argentine, provided he is open to a move.
# 1 Emiliano Sala
The only forward on this list in tip-top form this season, Sala has been incredible for FC Nantes, scoring 12 in 16 appearances in the Ligue 1. Not only that, his performances have prevented Nantes from languishing at the bottom of the French top tier. However, that would make it harder for Neil Warnock to sign him.
The 27-year-old is their top scorer by some distance. Gabriel Boschilia is their second-best scorer, contributing with four goals so far. Signing him would solve Cardiff’s lack of goals problem and while he would take some time to adjust to the Premier League, Sala’s abilities in front of goal cannot be doubted.
Convincing Nantes to sell their top scorer will be tough but if Warnock and company do manage to do that, then maybe the Bluebirds would have a chance of surviving this season.
