Cardiff City have activated the option in James Connolly’s contract, keeping him in south Wales for at least another 12 months as Bristol Rovers consider their next move for the centre-back.
The 20-year-old was out of contract at the end of this month but Cardiff’s retained list was finally published on Friday with Connolly featured as part of the Under-23 squad and it’s understood the Bluebirds have taken up the one-year option in his deal, originally signed in 2021.
Connolly enjoyed an outstanding second half to the 2021/22 season after arriving at Rovers from the Bluebirds in what was his first experience of senior football, starting 24 games and forming a strong understanding with fellow loanee Connor Taylor.
Both centre-backs have since returned to their parent clubs but Rovers manager Joey Barton has openly admitted he’d like to bring them back to the Mem for next season.
In Taylor’s case, Rovers are patiently waiting to see what his situation with Stoke City is for the forthcoming season as Michael O’Neill wants to take a proper look at him over pre-season.
Connolly’s position in Cardiff is a little more uncertain, which is of benefit to the Gas, as the Liverpudlian doesn’t appear to have an obvious route into Steve Morrison’s first-team set-up and Bristol Live understands he turned down the offer of a contract extension last month.
Although Cardiff have released veteran Aden Flint, and club captain Sean Morrison continues to undergo rehabilitation on a serious knee injury, Morrison still possesses Mark McGuinness, Curtis Nelson, Perry Ng, Oliver Denham and has added versatile Nigerian defender Jamilu Collins to their squad, representing a significant challenge for Connolly to try and break into the squad.
There had been a thought that the Championship club could feasibly release the defender at the end of the month, opening the door for Rovers to sign him on a free transfer for minimal compensation.
However, Cardiff appear to have activated the option to ensure they receive a transfer fee should the Gas decide they want to invest in the young defender, who has declared a wish to return to BS7 if a move is possible.
Rovers are yet to secure a summer signing with the transfer window officially opening on Friday, June 10, but the window is very much in its infancy as players return from holidays and the start of pre-season still some 10 days away.
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