Cardiff City Transfer Diary: Kellyman Twist, Tromso Counter-Offer, Rival Interest

Cardiff City's transfer activity has taken an unexpected turn as Omari Kellyman's future becomes increasingly uncertain. The 20-year-old was expected to spend another season away from Stamford Bridge after starring for Cardiff during last season's promotion-winning campaign, scoring 11 goals and establishing himself as one of Brian Barry-Murphy's key attacking players.

What happened?

Kellyman has now travelled with Chelsea's first-team squad after Geovany Quenda suffered an injury, opening up a place on the tour. This development does not necessarily rule out another loan move this summer, but it is a notable change from Chelsea's original plans and could delay any decision over his future.

Why it matters for Cardiff

Cardiff remain admirers after Kellyman's outstanding campaign in blue, while Barry-Murphy and assistant Lee Riley both have strong links with Chelsea recruitment chief Joe Shields from their time together in Manchester City's academy.

What comes next?

The Bluebirds will be keeping a close eye on Kellyman's situation, and it remains to be seen whether he will return to Cardiff or continue his development at Chelsea. Meanwhile, Cardiff's pursuit of Jens Hjerto-Dahl has become even more complicated after fresh reports in Norway claimed another Championship club has joined the race.

As the transfer window continues to unfold, Cardiff City fans will be eagerly awaiting news on their team's transfer activity. With the new season just around the corner, the Bluebirds will be looking to strengthen their squad and push for a top-six finish in League One.

League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in League One, 91 pts, 27W-10D-9L from 46 games, recent form LWWWD.

The Bluebirds have made a strong start to the new season, with 90 goals scored and 50 conceded (+40 goal difference). They are currently 12 points behind leaders Lincoln in the title race.

Next fixture: vs Millwall (at home, 2026-12-26).

Rivals emerge in Hjerto-Dahl chase amid Tromsø counter-offer

Cardiff's pursuit of Jens Hjerto-Dahl has become even more complicated after fresh reports in Norway claimed another Championship club has joined the race. The Bluebirds remain in advanced talks with Tromsø after reportedly submitting a package worth more than 100 million Norwegian kroner (£7.8million including add-ons), with the Norwegian club understood to have responded with a counter-offer.

Despite the increased competition, Cardiff are still described as being in the driving seat after weeks of negotiations with Tromsø. The report suggests both club and player are now prepared to wait before making a final decision in order to see whether the new interested clubs formalise their interest with offers capable of matching Cardiff's bid.

Hjerto-Dahl is still expected to feature in Tromsø's Europa League qualifier away to Hradec Králové later this week before any transfer reaches its conclusion, with sporting director Lars Petter Kræmer-Andressen previously insisting the Norwegian side are under no pressure to sell.

Barry-Murphy has already reassured supporters that Cardiff are working 'very, very hard' on transfers, and the club will be hoping to bring in some fresh faces in the coming weeks.

Goals this season: 90 scored, 50 conceded (+40 goal difference).

The Bluebirds will be looking to build on their strong start to the new season, and with the transfer window still open, they will be hoping to make some key signings to strengthen their squad.

And with the new season just around the corner, the Bluebirds will be looking to push for a top-six finish in League One.