Cardiff City are preparing for their first League One campaign since 2003 and will be aiming for an immediate return to the Championship.
Under new head coach Brian Barry-Murphy, the Bluebirds are expected to give several young prospects regular first-team opportunities as he looks to instil his philosophy of youth development.
Having spent the early stages of his coaching career at the Manchester City Academy, Barry-Murphy has helped shape numerous talented footballers and guided them towards first-team football.
Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, and Liam Delap are among the notable talents to have worked with the new Cardiff boss, each of whom has gone on to thrive in the top-flight with some of the country’s biggest clubs.
Here are three young Bluebirds who could make an impact this season in the Irishman’s first campaign.
Dylan Lawlor
Dylan Lawlor could establish himself as a regular in the backline this season, having featured prominently in the club’s pre-season fixtures.
The 19-year-old has impressed fans in the build-up to the opening fixture and, having joined the club at the age of seven, now looks ready to step into the first team.
Lawlor made his senior debut last season in a 2–0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park, earning praise for his composure and defensive awareness, with some seeing him as a future club captain.
One of the brightest defensive talents in Wales, Lawlor possesses international experience having represented his country at various age grades and also receiving a call-up to the senior squad in June ahead of Wales’ World Cup Qualifier against Belgium.
Ronan Kpakio
Another defender aiming to make a name for himself at Cardiff City Stadium this season is full-back Ronan Kpakio.
Despite being born in rival territory, the Swansea native has been with the club since the under-8 level and signed his first professional contract in 2024.
Kpakio made his senior debut in the EFL Cup in 2024 against Bristol Rovers at home and went on to make six first-team appearances during the 2024–25 campaign.
Another talent who has featured on the international stage, Kpakio has featured for various age groups before earning a call-up for the senior squad in May for the nations World Cup qualifying fixtures with Liechtenstein and Belgium.
His ability captured the attention of national team manager Craig Bellamy who highlighted his potential, admitting wanting to sign him when involved with Burnley.
“Even last year we wanted to buy him for Burnley, so I’m fully aware, I’ve watched him,” said Bellamy.
“Especially over the last couple of years, his progression has been outstanding. His potential can be ridiculously high, he’s very athletic, very intelligent.”
Joel Colwill
Joel Colwill is aiming to become the latest member of his family to secure a regular spot in Cardiff City’s starting line-up, joining his older brother Rubin in the senior squad this season.
The 20-year-old midfielder is another product of the club’s academy, having joined at the age of six and signing his first professional contract in 2022.
After making his senior debut in 2023, Colwill has continued to develop through various loan spells across the EFL. He began the 2024–25 campaign with League Two side Cheltenham Town, where he impressed by scoring nine goals in all competitions.
His strong performances earned him a recall to the Bluebirds in January, after which he was loaned to League One side Exeter City to test himself at a higher level, the same division Cardiff now find themselves in.
Having represented Wales at various youth levels, Colwill will be looking to use this season as a springboard to cement his place in the first team and further his career at both club and international level.
