Cardiff sign midfielder Robertson from Man City

Alex Robertson playing for Manchester Citu U21sImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Twice-capped Alex Robertson qualifies for Australia courtesy of his father, Mark, who also represented the Socceroos at senior level

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Manchester City midfielder Alex Robertson has joined Cardiff City on a four-year contract.

The agreed deal for the Australia international could rise to £3m.

Robertson, 21, had his medical on Monday and has become Championship club Cardiff's fifth signing of the summer.

Cardiff saw off competition from newly promoted Championship side Portsmouth to sign the Scottish-born player.

Robertson is the nephew of former Cardiff player Gavin Rae, who spent four years with Cardiff between 2007-11.

Robertson, who used to wear Bluebirds kit as a child, told the club website: “He [Rae] told me a lot of good things about the city and the club.

"Going forward in my career now, this feels like the right place to be. I'm buzzing. It's been a few weeks coming. I'm so glad it is over the line."

Cardiff boss Erol Bulut added: "We're delighted Alex is here.

"There were six other clubs that were in for him, which shows what a talent he is. We had a meeting 10 days ago and explained our goals for the club and for Alex. Our hopes and plans were aligned.

"Alex can deliver a lot. He's got quality. He’s technically very good with a great work rate and can add to what we already have. We now have a great mix of youth and experience in the midfield."

Robertson was entering the final year of his contract at the Premier League champions.

Cardiff were optimistic of signing Robertson last week, when Bulut said he was an "interesting" player.

But Portsmouth were very keen to attract the player back to Fratton Park, where he had a successful loan season in 2023-24, making 23 appearances and scoring a goal before injury ended his season in January.

Roberton's acquisition will mean Bulut has strengthened Cardiff's midfield after adding defender Callum Chambers.

Bulut has also added to his attacking resources by recruiting Chris Willock, Anwar El Ghazi and Ivorian striker Wilfried Kanga on loan from Hertha BSC.

The Bluebirds still have an interest in signing Leicester City winger Kasey McAteer, but are reportedly facing competition from Championship rivals Hull City.

Cardiff must also deal with a triple injury blow having suffered lengthy pre-season injuries to strikers Isaak Davies and Kion Etete and left back Jamilu Collins.

Bulut has estimated that Davies will miss four months, Etete three months and Collins will be out for six to eight weeks.