"Might live to regret…” - Cardiff City given Erol Bulut warning amid uncertainty | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has warned Cardiff City that they risk losing Erol Bulut unless they swiftly agree a new deal with the Turkish head coach.

The former Fenerbahce chief was named as the Bluebirds boss last summer, as he inherited a Cardiff side that had finished 21st in the Championship last season, just one place and five points above the relegation zone.

Whilst there was frustration that Cardiff failed to sustain a push for the play-offs this season, there’s no doubt that progress has been made under Bulut.

The Welsh side head into a final day fixture against Rotherham sitting 12th in the table, but they could record a top-ten finish if they pick up three points and other results go their way.

Despite that, there are doubts about the future of Bulut, as he only signed a 12-month contract last year, so his deal is set to expire.

The 49-year-old has made it clear that he wants to remain with Cardiff, but talks have only just started with Vincent Tan over an extension, with Bulut describing them as ‘positive’.

However, there are reports suggesting that Fiorentina are keeping tabs on Bulut, so it’s by no means certain that he will remain with the Championship side.

Carlton Palmer issues Cardiff City warning

And, speaking to FLW, ex-England international Palmer explained that Cardiff have run a risk in letting Bulut’s contract run down, as he highlighted the improvements made under him.

“He has done a fantastic job at Cardiff. They’re mid-table, ten points away from a play-off place. When he took over they were looking at relegation, so the turnaround is brilliant.

“We don’t know if talks are productive, but it’s reported that Fiorentina, among other European clubs, are interested and could offer him a contract.

“I don’t know what the delay is with Cardiff, and why they haven’t signed him up given the job he has done.

“Cardiff might live to regret the fact they didn’t get this over the line earlier. When a manager is doing well for you, and he has brought some stability to the club, they’ve only got themselves to blame.

“He only signed a one-year deal, so this means he could leave on a free and there would be no compensation. It’s a really, really bizarre situation and it’s rumoured that Tan only decided to open talks with Bulut last week, which is crazy.

“With the offers coming out from Europe, I think it is unlikely that Bulut will sign a new contract with Cardiff, and Cardiff will rue the fact they’ve left it as late as they have.”

Cardiff City’s summer plans

Clearly, Bulut’s contract issue needs resolving as soon as possible, as it’s set to be a big summer at Cardiff, with the club needing to be active in the market as they look to improve the squad.

There are several players at the club on loan, so it will be interesting to see who they can retain, and there will be areas of the squad that Bulut wants to improve to make the club top six candidates next season.

So, it’s a critical period ahead, and the hierarchy need to make some quick decisions to ensure the club isn't playing catch-up in the summer.