European Star Speaks Out on Cardiff City Interest and Reveals €2m Release Clause

Melle Meulensteen has broken his silence on reports connecting him with Cardiff City, revealing that the Bluebirds did approach Go Ahead Eagles but were unable to meet the midfielder’s €2 million release clause.

The 27-year-old had emerged as a reported Cardiff target earlier this month, with Dutch media claiming the Championship club had entered discussions with Go Ahead Eagles over a possible transfer.

Meulensteen was then left out of the squad for Go Ahead Eagles’ 2-2 draw against Feyenoord. At the time, Sky Sports suggested the Dutch side had decided not to risk the midfielder while speculation over his future continued.

Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy subsequently played down the reports, describing them as “far-fetched” after his side drew 1-1 with Wrexham. The manager also stated that he knew nothing about Cardiff pursuing Meulensteen, a stance that was consistent with information previously given to WalesOnline.

However, Meulensteen has now provided a different account, confirming that Cardiff had made contact with his club.

Speaking to Dutch outlet FCUpdate after Go Ahead Eagles’ 3-1 win over ADO Den Haag, Meulensteen explained that his absence against Feyenoord was due to a physical issue rather than transfer speculation.

“I was just suffering too much,” he said, dismissing the suggestion that he had been left out because a move was imminent.

The former Manchester United academy player then confirmed that Cardiff had made an enquiry.

“Go Ahead Eagles inquired about me, but they quickly realised that they couldn’t afford me,” Meulensteen revealed.

He explained that his contract contained a €2m release clause, but Cardiff apparently considered that figure too expensive.

That clause has now been removed for the current summer window, giving Go Ahead Eagles greater authority over how much they would demand for the midfielder. However, the clause is expected to return next year.

Meulensteen said the temporary removal of the clause was designed to provide additional protection against losing him late in the transfer window.

“Now Go Ahead Eagles can decide what I am worth,” he explained, adding that the arrangement gives the club greater security over his immediate future.

His comments appear to make a move to Cardiff unlikely in the short term, particularly as Meulensteen has made it clear that he is content at Go Ahead Eagles.

“I feel at home here and I am enjoying myself,” he said. “It is not that I really want to leave. It is no punishment at all to stay.”

The midfielder has also started the new Eredivisie campaign strongly, helping Go Ahead Eagles collect seven points from their first three league matches.

Meulensteen joined the Dutch club from Sampdoria last year and enjoyed an impressive debut season in Deventer, featuring 33 times, scoring five goals and registering three assists.

His football education began at Manchester United, where his father, Rene Meulensteen, worked as an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson. He later moved to Preston North End before continuing his career with RKC Waalwijk and Vitesse. A move to Sampdoria followed in 2023 before he returned to the Netherlands with Go Ahead Eagles last summer.

Cardiff, meanwhile, remain active in their search for reinforcements ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline. The Bluebirds have already added Jack Moylan, Nathan Trott on a permanent transfer and Liverpool youngster Calum Scanlon on loan.

Defensive injuries have increased the urgency for further additions. Will Fish is expected to miss around three months after undergoing surgery, while Dylan Lawlor remains unavailable and Calum Chambers has been dealing with a knee problem.

Gabriel Osho also picked up a hyperextended knee during the 1-1 draw with Wrexham and was subsequently absent for the 2-2 draw against Derby County.

Barry-Murphy has admitted that his squad requires further strengthening, with Cardiff reportedly considering additions in several areas. A winger, defender, striker and physically strong defensive midfielder are among the positions being assessed.

Following Saturday’s draw at Pride Park, Barry-Murphy indicated that he expected Cardiff to complete at least one more signing before their Carabao Cup meeting with Norwich City on Tuesday night.