Cardiff City 'make contact' with Swedish football star in fresh transfer link

Cardiff City have reportedly made initial contact over a possible move for Elfsborg defender Ibrahim Buhari this summer. The Bluebirds are said to be among a number of clubs exploring a deal for the Nigerian centre-back ahead of the new Championship campaign under Brian Barry-Murphy.

According to Swedish outlet Expressen , Cardiff , Portsmouth and Lincoln City have all enquired about Buhari’s availability, while Turkish side Kasimpasa are also credited with interest. The report claims “everything points” towards the 24-year-old leaving Swedish side Elfsborg during the upcoming transfer window. JOIN OUR CARDIFF CITY FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news, analysis and much more Buhari is entering the final six months of his contract, meaning this summer represents Elfsborg’s final realistic opportunity to command a transfer fee for the defender.

The Nigerian joined the club in 2022 and has gone on to make 76 appearances in Sweden, earning a reputation as a strong and athletic centre-back. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community .

However, he has started just once in the Swedish top flight so far this season, fuelling speculation that an exit could now be on the cards. Cardiff are expected to strengthen this summer as Barry-Murphy prepares for the club’s return to the Championship following promotion from League One, with as many as half a dozen additions likely needed if the Bluebirds are to make a dent in the top half of the division. Cardiff's last addition from Sweden worked out well, of course, with Yousef Salech having been signed from Sirius 18 months ago and the striker has gone on to score 24 goals in 63 games so far. The Bluebirds are likely to be active in the market over the coming weeks, with several areas of the squad expected to be addressed ahead of the new campaign.

Buhari, who was signed from Nigerian top-flight side Plateau United in 2022, previously represented Nigeria at under-23 level but is yet to earn a senior international cap. A move to the Championship could potentially enhance his hopes of breaking into the senior Nigeria set-up, although Turkish Super Lig side Kasimpasa could offer him top-flight football.

The report adds that further clubs are expected to enter the race for the defender, while Elfsborg’s asking price remains unclear. Cardiff's centre-back situation is an intriguing one as we head into the summer. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here . Dylan Lawlor is expected to be the nailed-on starter after his standout campaign last year, while Will Fish proved a very capable partner.

Calum Chambers was club captain last season, but his wages will shoot back up to Championship level, with a decision around his future likely to be a point of discussion. Gabriel Osho was signed from the French top flight a year ago, but he endured a poor maiden campaign in south Wales. --- *Sign up to our daily Bluebirds newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here . Cardiff City correspondent Glen Williams is also on social media. He can be found on his X account here , on Instagram , on TikTok and on Facebook .