Cardiff City are targeting a late transfer window move for Ipswich Town winger Kasey McAteer. The Championship club are reportedly keen to land the 24-year-old attacker before Tuesday's 11pm deadline, according to a report from The72.
Darren Witcoop said: "Cardiff City are apparently keen on landing the Premier League attacker before the end of the transfer window." The Welsh side are currently 13th in the Championship table with three points from three draws, having scored and conceded five goals. They are six points behind early leaders Charlton Athletic.
Why are Cardiff City looking at Kasey McAteer?
Cardiff City's interest in Kasey McAteer stems from a need for more attacking options. The club, which won promotion from League One last season alongside Lincoln City and Bolton Wanderers, has drawn its first three Championship outings against Wrexham, Derby County and Sheffield United. Manager Erol Bulut could do with one or two more forwards before the transfer deadline, with the squad a couple of bodies short at the top end of the pitch. This need is amplified by current injuries to Calum Chambers, Dylan Lawlor, Krystian Bielik, and William Fish, as listed on our injuries page.
What would Kasey McAteer bring to Cardiff?
Kasey McAteer is a product of the Leicester City academy who broke into their first-team in 2023. The winger joined Ipswich Town last year and helped them gain promotion from the Championship, making 31 appearances in all competitions and scoring three goals. Twenty-nine of those appearances came in the league as Ipswich finished second. He has featured in all three of Ipswich's opening Premier League fixtures this season. McAteer also had previous loan spells at Forest Green Rovers and AFC Wimbledon, gaining valuable EFL experience.
Is a deal for McAteer likely to happen?
A permanent transfer for Kasey McAteer seems unlikely at this stage. He remains under contract with Ipswich Town until June 2029, meaning he has three full years left on his deal. A temporary loan move appears the more probable outcome if any agreement is reached. The East Anglian Daily Times recently reported that McAteer was poised to stay at Portman Road alongside teammate Jack Clarke. Furthermore, McAteer is likely to be on significant wages following Ipswich's promotion, which could complicate any deal for Cardiff.
Darren Witcoop added: "The Welsh side are also said to be in for a striker as well." This indicates Cardiff's recruitment drive is focused on the attacking third as the window closes. The club's immediate focus then shifts to their next Championship fixture, an away trip to face Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday. QPR currently sit 4th in the table, and you can view the full schedule on our fixtures page. McAteer's contract at Ipswich Town runs until the summer of 2029.
