Cardiff won't be able to spend the money they're set to save following Liam Williams' departure until after the World Cup, given that his move to Japan won't be guaranteed until October.
The Wales full-back is set to sign for Kubota Spears after this year's World Cup. However, despite reports that the departure of the Wales full-back could free up funds, the fact that the move to Japan is dependent on a stringent medical means that his exit isn't definite just yet.
It's understood that the medical will take place after the World Cup, meaning Cardiff won't know if the Lions star will be leaving for certain until later in the year.
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If the move does fall through, Williams - who is only halfway through a two-year deal - will be staying at the Arms Park, meaning Cardiff bosses can't go spending the money just yet.
Cardiff's annual budget is set to be cut by £2m - from £7.2m to £5.2m - next season, reducing to £4.5m for the 2024-25 campaign for each of the four leading Welsh teams.
The Rugby Paper report that Cardiff won't receive any compensation for Williams' move to Japan, but it should save an estimated £175,000 on wages next season. That would give them the means to sign three ‘decent players’, according to the same report.
However, those savings are unlikely to be used on new signings until Williams' exit is actually confirmed.
If the move does go through, Williams would be the 17th player to leave the Arms Park - with the capital club having endured an exodus amid budget cuts.
So far, no new additions have been made to the squad, with Cardiff desperately short in certain positions like fly-half. South African outside-half Tinus de Beer had been floated as an option, but it's understood the WRU blocked the move.
Ospreys full-back and Wales squad member Cai Evans - who can also play fly-half - is also a target. However, until the Dai Young situation is resolved, it's unlikely any new additions will be brought in.
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