Cymru South transfer round-up: Newport County starlet joins Caerau Ely as Pontypridd sign two

Cole Mace of Newport City warming up during the 2025/26 JD Cymru South match between Ammanford & Newport City at the Recreation Ground, Ammanford, Wales.

Cole Mace has signed for Cardiff Draconians. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)

The latest Cymru South transfers are continuing to gather pace with the 2026/27 season now underway and clubs already looking to strengthen their squads.

There have been several notable moves in recent days, with Pontypridd United making a double signing, Aberystwyth Town bringing in three players and several other clubs bolstering their squads.

Here are the latest Cymru South transfers you need to know about.

Treowen Stars sign Joe Evans

Treowen Stars have completed the signing of defender Joe Evans following his departure from Carmarthen Town.

Evans arrives with plenty of experience across the Welsh football pyramid, having made 26 Cymru South appearances for Carmarthen last season after joining the club from Pontypridd United.

The defender previously represented Cambrian United and played a key role in helping the club reach the Nathaniel MG Cup final during the 2018/19 campaign.

Pontypridd United complete double signing

Pontypridd United have strengthened their squad with the signings of goalkeeper Ed King and defender Jac Thomas as they continue to build for the 2026/27 Cymru South campaign.

King arrives from fellow Cymru South side Newport City with close to 100 appearances at this level under his belt. The majority of those came during an impressive spell with Taffs Well, where he established himself as one of the division’s most reliable goalkeepers.

The shot-stopper spent the last two seasons with Newport City and will now provide competition for current number one Mike Lewis.

King’s experience, leadership and familiarity with the division make him a valuable addition as Pontypridd look to challenge during the new campaign.

Thomas, meanwhile, joins from Barry Town United and becomes Pontypridd’s second signing of the season.

The 19-year-old was named among the substitutes for Barry’s 3-2 opening-day victory over Treowen Stars but did not make it onto the pitch.

Thomas primarily featured for Barry’s Development side last season, making 28 league appearances and contributing four goals and four assists. He also helped the side reach the FAW Youth Cup semi-finals.

His only senior appearance came during the 2024/25 campaign, when he came off the bench against Briton Ferry Llansawel in April 2025.

The move comes after an injury to Mike Lewis at the weekend, with Lewis Mouland replacing him during the victory and Pontypridd subsequently strengthening their options.

Cardiff Dracs land Cymru South ace Cole Mace

Cardiff Dracs have strengthened their midfield with the signing of highly-rated youngster Cole Mace from Newport City.

The former Newport County academy player has also represented Pontypridd United during his career and enjoyed a promising campaign with Newport last season.

Mace made 19 Cymru South appearances, scoring twice and registering two assists. Both assists came on his league debut as Newport came from behind to beat Cambrian United 2-1.

Cardiff Dracs boss Nana Baah believes the midfielder has the potential to go a long way in the game.

Speaking to Y Clwb Pêl-droed, Baah said: “I think he’s a very, very outstanding young talent who needs the right coach to push him all the way.

“I genuinely feel this young boy has the potential to go extremely far. He’s going to add more to our arsenal and I can’t wait to work with him properly.

“He’s had a lot of offers from lots of clubs offering lots of money, but he’s chosen the club that he feels will develop him, take care of him and give him the opportunity to play.”

Aberystwyth Town make three additions

Aberystwyth Town have made a trio of additions ahead of their season opener against Afan Lido.

The Seasiders have signed youngsters Alfie Davies and Tarran Hollinshead from Cymru North side Newtown, while former fan favourite Jack Rimmer has returned to Park Avenue.

Seventeen-year-old Davies made five senior appearances for Newtown last season and also impressed at Development League level, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 19 appearances.

Hollinshead also featured regularly around Newtown’s senior setup, making 14 first-team appearances and scoring three goals. He also represented the club’s National Academi side.

Rimmer, meanwhile, brings considerably more experience to Craig Williams’ squad.

The defender last played for Bow Street in February 2024 before spending pre-season with Aberystwyth, where he impressed enough to earn a deal.

He returns to the Black and Greens having previously made 116 appearances across two spells at Park Avenue.

“I’m delighted to be playing back at Park Avenue this year,” Rimmer told the club’s official website.

“As soon as Craig messaged me about coming back, it was an easy yes. We’ve got a great, young, local squad this year who are ready for the challenge. I’m excited to show the fans what we can do this year!”

Llanelli Town add two goalkeepers

Llanelli Town have added two goalkeepers to their squad, with Luke Masrani arriving from Barry Town United and Joe Massaro joining from Goytre.

Massaro was handed the starting role for the Reds’ opening game of the season, a 4-1 defeat to Newport City.

The 29-year-old was first choice for Ardal South East outfit Goytre last season, making 26 appearances and helping them to a third-place finish.

Remarkably, Massaro also registered four assists during the campaign — an impressive tally for a goalkeeper.

He has previous Cymru South experience, making 29 appearances while representing Risca United and later Ammanford. He has also played for Ton Pentre and spent time on the books of Barry Town and Cardiff City.

Massaro is a former Wales Under-17 international and featured in the same side as Joe Morrell and Dan James.

Masrani, meanwhile, is a promising young addition.

The 19-year-old made one senior appearance for Barry, coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 victory over Connah’s Quay in September 2024.

He was back-up to George Ratcliffe at Jenner Park last season, making 14 appearances on the bench, while also featuring regularly for the Development side.

Masrani was part of the Barry team that reached the FAW Youth Cup semi-finals.

Newport County youngster signs for Caerau Ely

Caerau Ely have further strengthened their squad with the signing of Jaden Bahumaid.

The 18-year-old made his debut in last Saturday’s 4-3 defeat to Carmarthen Town on the opening day of the Cymru South season and immediately made an impact by providing an assist.

Bahumaid returns to Ely after coming through the ranks at Ely Rangers.

He progressed from junior football to make several senior appearances at South Wales Premier League level, scoring six goals and providing five assists.

His performances at such a young age attracted the attention of Newport County, who signed him for the 2024/25 season.

Bahumaid went on to represent the Exiles in the FAW Youth Cup and now returns to Caerau Ely looking to make his mark in the Cymru South.