‘Looks perfect on paper’ – Cardiff City weighing up transfer move for Middlesbrough player: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Cardiff City are interested in a move for Middlesbrough striker Uche Ikpeazu according to Football Insider.

The Bluebirds have been a soft touch at the top of the pitch this season and with Kieffer Moore currently unavailable attacking reinforcements are certainly required.

Cardiff will be very concerned about the realistic chance of relegation in their final season of parachute payments this term, currently only having a three point cushion on the drop zone.

Ikpeazu has experience of a Championship relegation battle and could be the attacking presence they are crying out for to allow their younger players to express themselves in the final third.

We gathered the thoughts of a selection of FLW writers to see if they believe Ikpeazu would be a good signing…

Declan Harte

The 26-year old hasn’t had the biggest impact on Middlesbrough’s season, having only started eight Championship games for the club since joining in the summer.

However, he has scored twice for the side now eighth in the table.

Ikpeazu has also scored for Wycombe Wanderers at this level and has plenty of experience in the second tier.

This could be a very solid signing for Cardiff, who could use another goal scorer even in the event that they manage to hold onto Kieffer Moore.

While the English striker isn’t the most prolific goal getter, he could be a useful alternative option that could help Cardiff avoid getting dragged into a relegation scrap.

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Joe Bryan

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Josh Cole

Although Cardiff will need to sign a new striker if Kieffer Moore leaves the club in the coming days, making a move for Uche Ikpeazu could be a mistake.

Whereas the forward did show glimpses of his promise during the previous campaign at Wycombe Wanderers, his performances this season for Middlesbrough have been extremely underwhelming.

As a result of his lack of consistency in the Championship, the forward has only managed to find the back of the net on two occasions for the club at this level and is currently averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.36.

Instead of securing the services of Ikpeazu, Cardiff ought to switch their attention to signing a forward who possesses the talent needed to thrive at the club in the coming years.

Billy Mulley

This is one of those moves that just looks perfect on paper.

Ikpeazu is undoubtedly a Championship level player, with his lack of game time at Middlesbrough solely down to the fact he does not fit Chris Wilder’s vision.

However, Boro’s loss could be Cardiff’s gain, especially if Kieffer Moore does depart this month.

Ikpeazu is a physical presence who has proven to be nightmare to deal with for second-tier defences, whilst he has the intelligence and desire to go in behind and vary his game play.

He is also someone who can link up well with other forwards and create opportunities for others, which will certainly bode well within a side who need to up their output in front of goal.