Callum O’Dowda is one of the most in demand free agents in the Championship following his release by Bristol City with Cardiff City among seven clubs chasing the Republic of Ireland international’s signature, Bristol Live understands.
City confirmed on Monday that the 27-year-old would be departing Ashton Gate after six years with the club as his contract expires at the end of June.
O’Dowda was informed at the end of April that the Robins would not be activating the 12-month option in his contract but they were debating whether to offer him reduced terms amidst wide interest among their rivals in the left winger.
That doesn’t appear to have transpired and instead the former Oxford United prospect is available on the free market, but is expected to make a decision on his next destination this week.
Cardiff fansite 'The Canton End' tweeted news of the Bluebirds' interest on Monday and O'Dowda is understood to have received an offer last week as Steve Morrison completely reshapes his first-team squad. But there is significant competition across the division for the Republic of Ireland international, with all operating within a similar financial bracket.
Having first arrived in Bristol in 2016, he is well-settled in the area and Cardiff’s offer could appeal from a purely geographical perspective but other factors such as his squad role, ambitions for next season and length of contract also come into the equation.
O’Dowda has made 16 starts this season under Nigel Pearson but experienced another injury-plagued campaign after suffering with knee and groin injuries that significantly reduced his availability. That has been an unfortunate theme throughout his final seasons at the club after enjoying a breakout campaign in 2018/19 when he began to attract Premier League interest, while moves to Leeds United and Fulham came close.
Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, a few hours after City's retained list was published, Pearson stated it was "time for a change", when asked about the decision to allow O'Dowda to leave.
"It’s just time for a change,” said Pearson, who has previously stated that Jamie Paterson's exit 12 months ago in similar circumstances was due to the playmaker becoming too comfortable after so many years at City. "I think Callum has been here for six years. He goes with our best wishes. He is a really good lad, but it’s time for change. It’s time for a shift in a different direction, it’s as simple as that."
He has his detractors among the Robins fanbase but O’Dowda retains a healthy reputation throughout the league and with 155 Championship appearances under his belt should make a seamless transition into most squads in the second tier, providing pace, dribbling and also versatility as he’s capable of playing as a left winger or left wing-back.
O'Dowda would continue a theme of released City players joining a rival with Paterson, Korey Smith and Liam Walsh heading down the M4 over the last two years to sign for Swansea City following their release at Ashton Gate. He could also trade places with Marlon Pack as the veteran midfielder is under consideration for a possible return to BS3 having left for Cardiff in 2019.
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
