The Bluebirds have been pretty quiet in the transfer market so far this summer.
But they’ve made everyone sit up and take notice with this signing. Tottenham Hotspur defender Steven Caulker has joined for a fee of over $13 million and will marshal the Welsh sides defense, as they prepare for their first-ever season in the Premier League.
Caulker, 21, is no stranger to Wales after spending the 2011-12 season on loan at Swansea City and winning rave reviews. The composed central defender then returned to parent club Tottenham and played 28 times for the White Hart Lane outfit last season.
Cardiff’s new defender captained England’s U-21 side this summer and played for the full national team in November 2012, scoring on his debut as England lost to Sweden in a friendly. He is powerful, dominate in the air and possesses tremendous pace.
This is a seriously good bit of business by Cardiff.
They’ve managed to snap up a 21-year-old defender who has already racked up two full seasons in the Premier League, the Europa League and has international experience. Guys like that are hard to come by. And the transfer fee of $13 million shows they mean business.
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Owner Vincent Tan recently spoke out after Cardiff missed out on signing the likes of Victor Wanyama and many more. He assured fans the club would be patient and wait for the right deals to come along. So far Tan is a man of his word.
Caulker’s arrival adds to the signing of Danish international striker Andreas Cornelius for $13 million and suddenly Cardiff City are setting themselves up quite nicely for their first-time in the top flight. Add in the quality of fiery Welsh attacker Craig Bellamy, their amazing new stadium and hugely passionate fans, then you have a recipe for success in the PL.
Today’s signing of Caulker really sends out a statement to the rest of the Premier League. Cardiff are here to stay. So it certainly helps to have one of the most promising young defenders in the English game at the heart of your defense.
Great addition. Now Cardiff’s fans will be saying “pwy sydd nesaf?” Well, the ones who speak Welsh anyway.
