Cardiff City swoop for four new signings – including Swansea City striker

Cardiff City have made four new additions to their squad ahead of the 2022/23 Adran Premier season.

Emily Roberts, Evie Hughes, Megan Bowen, and Rhianne Oakley have all joined the Bluebirds for the upcoming campaign.

Fronting up the new arrivals is Oakley who makes the move from back-to-back league champions Swansea City.

The 21-year-old made 18 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and earning two assists.

Before her move to the Swans, she was at Pontypridd United and played eight times.  Oakley has also made five appearances for the Wales Under-19 team. 

“It’s a really good opportunity for me to showcase myself and my ability,” said Oakley to Cardiff City’s official club website.

“I really like the direction the Club is going in. They really focus on improving young players. The Club is really exciting.

“I think my style of play really fits in with the plans for the season. We’ve got set goals and I’m here to help achieve them by scoring goals and doing everything I can for the team.”

Cardiff have also managed to prize away defender Megan Bowen from league rivals Barry Town United.

Bowen was a regular feature for the Linnets last season, playing 20 league games as they preserved their top-flight status.

The 16-year-old made 25 appearances in total and also made a couple of outings at U17 level for Wales, playing alongside new teammate Lily Billingham.

“I knew a few of the girls before I joined,” Bowen said. 

“I had a lot of conversations with them about how it’s run, how it’s set up, whether they’ve improved and it was nothing but positive things said, which drew me to the Club. 

“As a young player, improvement is key and Cardiff City are a Club, with the coaching staff, the facilities, and the other players to learn from, that give you that opportunity.”

Joining to provide competition to goalkeeper Ceryn Chamberlain is Emily Roberts. Roberts was at Port Talbot Town last season and was their first-choice goalkeeper.

The 17-year-old racked up 20 appearances in total for the Steelwomen, earning her a call-up to the Under-19 team alongside Phoebie Poole and Seren Watkins. 

Completing Cardiff’s business, for the time being, is full-back Evie Hughes.

Hughes spent the last year representing the FAW’s Academy, whilst also representing the Under-16’s team of Wales.

Upon her move, she said: “It’s really exciting for me. It’s such a massive Club. As a youngster, I know that they do really well in developing young players, especially in a first-team environment.

“I watched the Adran Leagues last season and watching the young players shine for Cardiff City just made me really want to be a part of the team.”

(Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)