Cardiff City Transfer Update: Meulensteen Speaks Out

Melle Meulensteen, the 27-year-old midfielder, has addressed reports linking him with Cardiff City, claiming the Bluebirds couldn't afford his €2m release clause. The Dutch player was linked with a move to Cardiff earlier this month, with reports suggesting the Bluebirds had opened talks with Go Ahead Eagles over a potential deal.

What Happened?

Meulensteen was notably absent from Go Ahead Eagles' squad for their 2-2 draw with Feyenoord, with Sky Sports reporting that the Dutch club did not want to risk him suffering an injury while transfer interest surrounded him. Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy subsequently dismissed the speculation as "far-fetched", saying after the 1-1 draw with Wrexham that he knew "nothing" about reported interest in the player.

Why It Matters for Cardiff

However, Meulensteen has now claimed that Cardiff did make an approach for him. Speaking to Dutch outlet FCUpdate after Go Ahead Eagles' 3-1 victory over ADO Den Haag on Sunday, the former Manchester United academy player explained why he had been absent against Feyenoord. "I was just suffering too much," Meulensteen said, dismissing suggestions that his omission had been transfer-related.

What Comes Next?

Meulensteen went on to claim that Cardiff had contacted his club, but that they quickly realised they couldn't afford him. "Go Ahead Eagles inquired about me, but they quickly realised that they couldn't afford me," he said. "I had a clause of €2m in my contract, but I think they considered that too much." The release clause has since been removed for the current transfer window, meaning Go Ahead Eagles now have greater control over his future.

Cardiff's Current Situation

Cardiff City are currently 12 points behind leaders Lincoln in the League One table, with a goal difference of +40. They have scored 90 goals this season, conceding 50. The Bluebirds have already brought in several new players this summer, including Jack Moylan, Nathan Trott, and Calum Scanlon on loan from Liverpool.

Recent Form

Cardiff's recent form has been inconsistent, with a 3-0 win over Mansfield Town followed by a 5-4 loss to the same team. They have lost their last two games, and are currently sidelined by several injuries, including Calum Chambers, Dylan Lawlor, William Fish, and Gabriel Osho.

Transfer Window

The transfer window is set to close on September 1, with Cardiff City still looking to strengthen their squad. Manager Brian Barry-Murphy has acknowledged that the club need further additions, with the Bluebirds understood to be considering reinforcements in several positions, including a winger, defender, striker, and deep-lying physical midfielder.

What's Next for Cardiff?

After the game at Pride Park on Saturday, the Irishman revealed that he expected at least one new addition by the time his side take on Norwich City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night. Cardiff City will be looking to bounce back from their recent losses and make a push for the top of the League One table.