Ledley Poised For New Cardiff City Deal

Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ledley appears set to put recent transfer speculation behind him and sign a new contract with his hometown club. Joe is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he could sign a pre-contract agreement with other clubs in January and leave the club for a fraction of his value.

Much debate has gone on in the press with conflicting arguments from the club and Ledley`s agent. The Welshman is determined to play in the Premiership, and wants his chance sooner rather than later. However, the club rejected a £6m bid from Stoke City last year – a decision that frustrated Ledley.

The new contract will significantly improve his wages, but the key component to the deal will be a minimum fee release clause. This will mean a pre-set value, thought to be around £5m which, when met, will mean Cardiff City do not have the right to block the move and Joe will be entitle to speak with the club.

Essentially, this new deal changes little. It has always been the case that Cardiff City would accept a big money bid, and Joe is certainly keen to move up a step. However, in signing a new deal – Ledley would be ensuring that Cardiff City get a fair price for him and the fee would not be compensatory as set by a court.

Unfortunately for Joe, the new deal has come a few weeks too late for him to retain the captaincy. In the uncertainty surrounding his future, Mark Hudson was appointed club captain and leads the team.