2020’s transferred Welshmen; how have they fared in pastures new?
Cardiff, Wales 13/10/19. Joe Rodon of Wales in action against Croatia. Wales v Croatia UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD/Alamy Live News.
Transfers make football go round. Opportunities to improve yourself, enjoy greater success and to even increase your salary are all unmissable for the modern day footballer.
In what is an extremely promising era for football in our beloved Nation , a wide range of Welshmen have been on the move this year But who has tasted the most success? Who has disappointed?
Embed from Getty ImagesRyan Broom
Starting off the list is uncapped Welshman Ryan Broom. A classy operator during two successful seasons at Cheltenham Town, midfielder Ryan Broom has failed to produce the same calibre of performances that captivated Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson into bringing him to London Road.
Broom, who signed for Posh in the summer of 2020, has struggled to exert a real impact in League One, making just five starts all campaign for the Cambridgeshire-based side. A product of the Bristol Rovers academy, the Newport-born man has enjoyed an awe-inducing ascendancy- plying his trade on loan for Taunton, Bath City and Eastleigh before securing his big break at Whaddon Road.
Perhaps a detriment to Broom though, a plethora of talented midfielders already ply their trade for Peterborough, who currently sit fifth in League One.
With only a solitary strike to his name this term, it is crucial that the twenty-four year old can reignite his form in Gloucestershire that earned him so many plaudits.
Embed from Getty ImagesJoe Morrell
Furthermore, another young midfielder who has endured a period of peripherality this campaign is Luton Town’s Joe Morrell. Whilst the Hatters are enjoying a solid, respectable season in the Championship, Morrell has had little part to play in Luton’s escalation this term. Morrell, who came through the ranks at Bristol City, embarked on numerous loan spells away from Ashton Gate- none more significant than his impressive spell in Lincolnshire.
A series of eye-catching performances for Lincoln City in the 19-20 campaign paved the path for Morrell’s breakthrough to the Welsh National team, for whom he has made twelve appearances for since making his debut last year.
Frustratingly though, the Ipswich born midfielder (who qualifies for Wales through his Welsh mother) has only graced the field on seven occasions for Nathan Jones’ side after arriving at Kenilworth Road on a permanent deal from the Robins in October. Still just twenty-three, Morrell possess the great gift of time; but with the performances exhibited by Luton’s well-drilled midfield thus far, it may be a while before the former-Cheltenham man announces himself in the second tier.
Embed from Getty ImagesJames Lawrence
Slotting into thirteenth place on the list is St. Pauli’s James Lawrence. A Welsh International with seven caps to his name, Lawrence spent time on the books of Arsenal, QPR and Ajax in his youth before embarking on a European adventure, plying his trade in Slovakia, Belgium and now Germany.
After joining the Hamburg-based side on loan last campaign from Belgian giants Anderlecht, the move was made permanent in the summer. However, the central defender has received limited opportunities at the Millerntor-Stadion this term, registering just six appearances in the German second tier in what has been a miserable campaign for St. Pauli, who sit second from bottom at the time of writing.
Embed from Getty ImagesTom Lockyer
Another Welshman at Kenilworth Road, experienced defender Tom Lockyer has been a more prominent fixture in Nathan Jones’ side in comparison to fellow countryman Joe Morrell this term. Still far from a certified inclusion every week, Lockyer has appeared on twelve occasions for the Hatters so far, forming part of a tight-knit backline which has been integral to Luton’s elevation in fortunes.
Similarly to Morrell once more, Lockyer also rose through the ranks in Bristol, albeit on the opposite side of the City- making close to 300 appearances in blue and white after his release from boyhood side Cardiff City. Following a sole season at Charlton Athletic, the Welsh International performed well enough to maintain his status as a Championship footballer despite the Addicks’ relegation, agreeing a free transfer with current club Luton Town.
Lockyer’s journey has been an enthralling one; guiding The Gas from the Conference all the way to League One before establishing himself in the Second Tier. Now at a stable club to continue his development, Lockyer’s career is certainly one to follow as he looks to build on his ascendancy.
Embed from Getty ImagesChris Gunter
A name etched into Welsh Football history, stalwart Chris Gunter is now seeking to get back to the Championship with Charlton Athletic. Having joined in October from Reading – for whom he registered over 300 appearances for- Gunter has established himself as a consistent presence in Lee Bowyer’s backline, making fourteen appearances for the Addicks since his arrival.
A real leader with tonnes of experience over the course of his career, the Cardiff City academy graduate is also his Nation’s all time leading appearance maker, with an illustrious 99 caps to his name. Personally, I believe the acquisition of Chris Gunter was a real coup at League One level and his success thus far in South London serves little surprise.
Embed from Getty ImagesMorgan Fox
Fox, an established figure of reliability in England’s second tier, ended his three year affiliation with Yorkshire-based outfit Sheffield Wednesday over the summer. Subsequently, the uncapped Welshman joined Michael O’Neill’s Stoke City- and has featured nineteen times for the Potters so far in what has been a significant resurgence at the Bet 365 Stadium.
Forming part of a formidable backline, the Staffordshire side currently boast the joint-best defensive record in the division- an applaudable achievement that Fox has certainly contributed to. Born in Chelmsford to a Welsh father, it may not be long before the twenty-seven year old breaks his international duck.
Embed from Getty ImagesMatt Smith
Although the Manchester City academy graduate is strutting his stuff in the third tier of English Football, Smith’s success at the Keepmoat Stadium cannot be undermined. Recruited on a permanent deal in October following loan spells at FC Twente, QPR and Charlton Athletic- which yielded a variation of results- the youthful midfielder has been instrumental in Doncaster’s promotion charge this campaign.
Smith, who has made sixteen appearances in South Yorkshire, has also found the back of the net once and possesses one highest average match ratings in the entire squad- which is an impressive accomplishment given the success that Darren Moore’s men have enjoyed so far.
Despite still being at the tender age of twenty one, the Doncaster man already has twelve senior appearances for Wales; and should he continue to captivate at the Keepmoat, Smith will surely be adding to that in the not-too distant future.
Embed from Getty ImagesJames Chester
Not the first Welshman on this list to be revelling in Staffordshire, James Chester has also enjoyed an upturn in fortunes since making the move to the Potteries. After donating four years of service to Premier League side Aston Villa, the experienced central defender initially joined Michael O’Neill’s men on a loan in January, before making the move permanent in the summer.
In what has been a hugely beneficial move for both parties, the thirty-one year old has registered fifteen appearances this campaign as Stoke seek to assault the playoff positions. Whilst Chester hasn’t appeared for Wales since 2018, his current displays for the Potters could serve as the re-ignition for his International career.
Embed from Getty ImagesRhys Norrington-Davies
Born in Saudi Arabia to Welsh parents, Rhys Norrington-Davies is a name which has accelerated in prominence and popularity over a short space of time. Somewhat of an unknown quantity prior to this campaign, the fledgling full-back is currently on loan at Luton Town, swiftly becoming a regular at Kenilworth Road following loan spells with Barrow and Rochdale. Recently, the twenty one year old was awarded a new contract at parent club Sheffield United, a testament to his talented displays both in Hertfordshire and on the International stage. Still very much an a fresh face on the International scene with only three appearances to his name, Norrington-Davies has already endeared himself to the Welsh faithful. An adventurous, attack-minded young full-back with no shortage of endeavour, the Blades’ academy graduate’s scintillating story is just getting started.
Embed from Getty ImagesJoe Rodon
After what seemed like an eternity of rumours linking the young Welshman to the top flight, Rodon finally sealed his Premier League passage in October, joining Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur for a fee in the region of £11M. Evidently envisaged as a long-term acquisition, the former Swansea defender has only appeared four times so far for the North Londoners.
But with a wealth of experience and quality alongside him in the Capital- accompanied by the fortune of being coached by one of the most prestigious names in the dugout- the resources are certainly there to aid Rodon’s progression over the coming years.
Tipped to go on to do “amazing things” by fellow teammate and countryman Gareth Bale, such words from the four-time Champions League winner will have only enraptured the Spurs faithful. After all, Bale is more than entitled to have a say on the quality of a centre-half.
The Welshman has spent years playing against alongside some of the finest defenders on the planet, so that form of praise is definitely an indication of the talent that Rodon is blessed with. Still aged just twenty three, the Swansea City academy product will not be an instant success in North London. But over time, the deal could go on to be a real coup if Rodon can fulfil his sparkling potential.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrennan Johnson
Following on is young starlet Brennan Johnson, who has lit up the LNER Stadium with a series of majestic displays. The high-flying Imps, who currently sit top of the table in League One, can owe a lot of their success to the efforts of Johnson this term. A prodigious prospect held in great acclaim for a good while, the young Welshman has been a part of the Nottingham Forest setup since the age of eight, rising through the ranks to make his professional debut aged eighteen before joining Lincoln City on a season long loan in September.
Capable of playing out wide and through the middle, Johnson has found the back of the net six times in Lincolnshire along with laying on a further two as he has swiftly transpired to be one of the finest performers in the division. The nineteen-year old has also forged himself into the Welsh set up, making his debut against USA at the Liberty Stadium in November- an illustration of the level of performances produced by Johnson as he has orchestrated Lincoln’s title charge.
Unsurprisingly, the awe-inspiring attacker’s displays in the East of England have not gone unnoticed by parent club Forest, who are strongly rumoured to be considering recalling the youngster in January to help in their battle against relegation, in what has been a severely disappointing campaign in the East Midlands.
A statement that will surely rub salt in the wounds of the already-anguished Forest faithful, Lincoln boss David Appleton announced that he is “fairly confident” Johnson will remain at the LNER Stadium for the rest of the season. Phenomenally gifted, you can only expect Johnson’s stock to rise even more over the coming years and will surely become a key component at the City Ground before long.
Embed from Getty ImagesEthan Ampadu
Even though Sheffield United have endured a hellish campaign, young Welshman Ethan Ampadu has emerged as a rare beacon of light at Bramall Lane. Following an unsuccessful loan spell at German outfit RB Leipzig last term- in which Ampadu only made three league appearances- the twenty year old has tasted much more action in South Yorkshire, enforcing himself as a key operator in the middle of the park for Chris Wilder’s side.
Astonishingly, Ampadu has already received twenty senior caps for the Welsh National Team, an awe-inducing accomplishment that speaks volumes on the quality possessed by the Exeter City academy graduate. Impressively, the prodigy also boasts the highest average match rating at Sheffield United with a respectable score of 6.85, which serves as an indication of his ability to perform at the highest level. In spite of his youthfulness, Ampadu has the ability to dictate the tempo of a game and frequently displays tactical awareness and understanding well beyond his years.
Therefore, it seems little wonder why the young midfielder has been held in such regard for quite some time. Despite being on a proverbial sinking ship, Ampadu’s classy displays for the Blades will have not slipped under the radar of parent club Chelsea, who have yet another star on their hands.
Embed from Getty ImagesGareth Bale
It can be debated that Gareth Bale is the finest footballer to ever wear the beloved Welsh strip. A serial winner, Bale has enjoyed a career beyond the wildest dreams of many, achieving everything in sight during his time at Real Madrid. However, Bale’s rousing return to Tottenham Hotspur is yet to bring the success many anticipated. Blighted by recurring injuries and a lack of fitness, the Welsh Wizard has only started one match in the Premier League, a division which had previously been his playground.
In 2013, Bale departed as a hero- finding the back of the next twenty six times across all competitions and being crowned PFA Player of the Year. His form in North London has been a stark contrast though, only finding the back of the net three times in all competitions as the awe-inspired ambitions are slowly succumbing to deflation.
Even though Tottenham’s title pursuit has been somewhat dismounted over recent weeks, an on-form Gareth Bale would most certainly kindle ambitions of that sort. And whilst there is still time for the beloved forward to weave his wizardly Welsh wand once more, it needs to be sooner rather than later- for both player and club.
Embed from Getty ImagesHarry Wilson
In a deal that subdued the Cardiff City faithful into ecstasy, Welsh midfielder Harry Wilson has endured somewhat of a mixed bag since moving to South Wales on loan from Liverpool at the start of the campaign. At times, Wilson has truly exhibited the level of talent that has earned him so many plaudits over the years. A real magician with the ball at his feet, Wilson has three strikes to his name accompanied by a club-high four assists in fifteen appearances for the Bluebirds.
Statistically, the Welsh International is also the second-best chance creator in the division, only bettered by Norwich City dynamo Emi Buendia. But on the other hand, Wilson has also appeared peripheral at times for Neil Harris’ side, who have struggled to recapture their mojo following playoff heartbreak to eventual winners Fulham last term. It seems that the Cardiff boss has failed to find Wilson’s best position, spending time both out wide and as a 10.
Most City supporters though, are inclined to agree that it is through the middle where Wilson truly has the license to excel. The former Bournemouth midfielder does not possess bags of pace, and you will rarely see Wilson beat his man. But what Wilson does possess is a wizardly, wondrous, weaponised left foot. A player of Wilson’s talent needs to see as much of the ball as possible, which just does not happen for the Welshman when deployed on the wings.
There is no shortage of quality; the captivating creator has certainly proved his worth both in the Championship and the top flight. In order to truly make the most of Wilson’s magic though, he needs to played to his strengths and granted a free license to roam around the forward areas, drop back and get on the ball as much as possible.
Embed from Getty ImagesKieffer Moore
Before even joining Cardiff City, towering Welshman Kieffer Moore had already endeared himself in the Welsh Capital courtesy of his performances for the National Team. Moore, who joined the Bluebirds for a fee of £2M in the summer, has injected a new dimension into the Cardiff City frontline and looks like the goalscorer that the South Wales outfit have been craving for far too long. Although currently sidelined with injury, the imposing forward has announced himself as a big hit so far, finding the back of the net eight times for Neil Harris’ side.
In truth, the Bluebirds lack a real identity and presence in the forward line in Moore’s absence. The former Wigan Athletic man is so much more than a goalscorer and his all-round play has proved paramount for Cardiff this term. At 6’5, Moore will not give any defender an easy time as he often comes out on top in his duels, along with dropping back frequently to get on the ball and build up play. It is without a doubt that the twenty-eight year old will be vital if Cardiff City are to get their stuttering season back on track.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
