Why Cardiff City have been backed to fend off potential Rubin Colwill transfer interest - there are "no concerns" | OneFootball

Football League World's resident Cardiff City fan pundit discussed the likelihood of Rubin Colwill staying put

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Cardiff City's first summer transfer window as a League One club in more than 20 years after suffering relegation during the 2024/25 Championship campaign has been fixated on retaining prized assets and merely fine-tuning the squad at the disposal of head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

The Bluebirds sanctioned a host of high-profile exits back in June, with the likes of Anwar El Ghazi, Joe Ralls, Aaron Ramsey and Andy Rinomhota all being let go at the end of their respective contracts.

In total, no fewer than 15 players have left the Welsh capital throughout this summer, with former West Ham United goalkeeper Nathan Trott representing the club's sole addition to date - though more incomings and indeed outgoings are both naturally to be expected before the window slams shut on September 1.

One player who Cardiff will be desperate to retain more than most is Rubin Colwill, who is poised to become, at long last, the side's creative kingpin under Barry-Murphy.

A product of the Bluebirds' academy system, nine-cap Welsh international Colwill has made more than 150 appearances for his boyhood club since debuting back in the 2021/22 campaign, although a combination of mitigating factors have long prevented the maverick attacking midfielder from truly, and consistently, realising his potential.

Moments of sheer brilliance, in which his goal at Anfield in an FA Cup tie away to Liverpool, his free kick at QPR and stunning efforts against both Bristol City and Southampton, all come to mind, although inconsistency, injury setbacks and, in the eyes of many, a lack of opportunity and creative license by previous managers have all held Colwill back.

Now aged 23, Colwill is not just a prospect anymore - this season has been widely-billed as a make-or-break one for the talented Welshman. But, so far, he's taking increased responsibility and freedom under Barry-Murphy by the scruff of the neck and that only amplifies the importance of keeping him exactly where he is in the event of any transfer advances in what remains of the summer window.

Cardiff City backed to keep Rubin Colwill amid potential transfer interest

Colwill, who was named as Cardiff's vice-captain by the Irish boss, has built upon a richly-promising pre-season to quickly emerge as his side's star performer in the early throes of 2025/26.

Donning the captain's armband for the first time, Colwill struck a delightful free-kick to inspire Cardiff's 2-1 opening-day victory over Peterborough United.

Just over a week later, another free-kick from the playmaker found its way into the back of the net in the 2-1 EFL Cup first-round win against Swindon Town - and with performances like these, it perhaps would not come as too much of a surprise if the 23-year-old garnered glances before September rolls around.

FLW asked our resident Bluebirds fan pundit, Matt Hall, if he is fearing any clubs lodging offers in a bid to unsettle Colwill following an impressive start to the season.

Matt, however, is confident that the Cardiff midfielder is going nowehere, citing Colwill's own outspoken desire to stay put and the opportunity for him to be the centerpiece of an exciting and progressive project under Barry-Murphy as key reasons.

"Personally, I have no concerns at all over Rubin Colwill leaving," Matt told FLW.

"He's performed really well, he's become vice-captain and if Callum Chambers was to potentially leave before the end of the window, he could be club captain soon.

Obviously he's here with (younger brother) Joel, he's talked about how he was not picking up any interest because this is his hometown club and he felt he owed it to us to stay and show his best levels.

"He didn't want to leave us, he feels the project here is something he wants to get behind and Barry-Murphy has put him as the centerpiece of that project. I think if he was to leave to a Preston or a Stoke, he could be one of those players whose career doesn't really go anywhere.

"But if he becomes the centerpiece at Cardiff, I feel that gives him a better chance of making it into Craig Bellamy's squad, he'll catch the eye more there than if he becomes just another piece of the part at a mid-table Championship team.

Cardiff City's Rubin Colwill has previously had transfer interest

Speculation surrounding Colwill's future is nothing new, with the playmaker having been of reported interest to a number of unnamed Championship clubs earlier this summer.

Last year, meanwhile, he was notably linked with a move to Kieran McKenna's Ipswich Town, although nothing materialised and Colwill remains a one-club man.

It doesn't seem too likely that he will move on, it must be said, with the Bluebirds starlet evidently relishing his newfound responsibility and prominence in a more progressive, possession-based style under a head coach who boasts an esteemed history in coaching high-level technical footballers.

That's not to say interest won't emerge, as it's clear that Colwill is, quite simply, a cut above League One football, but everything suggests he's going absolutely nowhere and that's a potential game-changer for Cardiff as they bid to return to the Championship at the very first attempt.