Alex Smithies: Cardiff City sign Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper
- Published
Goalkeeper Alex Smithies joined Queens Park Rangers from Huddersfield in 2015
Cardiff City have signed goalkeeper Alex Smithies from Queens Park Rangers on a three-year contract, in a deal thought to be worth £3.5m.
The 28-year-old ex-England youth international will contest the Cardiff number one shirt with Neil Etheridge.
Smithies has made 108 appearances for the Hoops since joining from Huddersfield in 2015.
"He's a lad that knows he will have to fight for his place," Cardiff manager Neil Warnock said.
"Neil Etheridge had a fabulous season in 2017-18 and improved as time went on. It's great for us to have that healthy competition.
"Having watched Alex for a while, there is no doubting his pedigree."
Etheridge was Cardiff's keeper during the 2017-18 season, the Philippines international playing all bar one of their Championship fixtures as they finished runners-up to Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure their return to the Premier League.
Smithies joins fellow new signings Norwich winger Josh Murphy and Preston North End full-back Greg Cunningham at Cardiff City Stadium, while winger Junior Hoilett has signed a new deal to remain with the Bluebirds.
Cardiff are still discussing a new contract with Iceland midfielder Aron Gunnarsson.
The Bluebirds have also held talks with Liverpool about re-signing midfielder Marko Grujic on loan.