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Goutas' future in his own hands

Goutas' future in his own hands

BBC News06-03-2025
Manager Omer Riza says defender Dimitrios Goutas' future at Cardiff City is in the player's hands at the end of the season.The Greek international is out of contract at the end of the season having only missed four Championship matches since joining the club in the summer of 2023.Riza admits the club have spoken to the 30-year-old about his future but says that nothing will be decided until the end of the season."Dimi's done brilliantly this year," Riza said. "He's done a good job, he's led by example. "I think it's probably in Dimi's hands now in respect of what it looks like moving forwards."I think the club and Dimi have had conversations, but now we'll see what it looks like by the end of the season."
Goutas was signed by Riza's predecessor Erol Bulut, joining the same summer as fellow Greek international Manolis Siopis.Siopis left the Bluebirds in January with Goutas' future also now uncertain."His contract's up at the end of the season," Riza added."He's been here now two years."I think conversations will take place at the end of the season."Goutas was ever present last season in the league and has started in all bar four Championship matches this term after returning from suspension following his red card at Plymouth in February.He's expected to be at the heart of Cardiff's defence as they travel to promotion chasing Sunderland on Saturday.Full-back Andy Rinomhota is unlikely to play after suffering a hamstring injury in Tuesday's home defeat by Burnley.Defender Jesper Daland and midfielder David Turnbull are nearing a return to fitness whilst winger Ollie Tanner is targeting a return from a foot injury in the game at Blackburn on 15 March.
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