Cardiff City defender seals late post deadline day transfer exit to top-flight club
Alyas Debono has played in the Nathaniel MG Cup for Cardiff City. Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Penybont have completed the signing of Cardiff City defender Alyas Debono on a season-long loan deal.
The 19-year-old will spend the remainder of the Cymru Premier campaign with Rhys Griffiths’ side as he looks to gain valuable senior experience.
Debono made his Cardiff first-team debut in November 2025, featuring in the Bluebirds’ 3-1 Vertu Trophy victory over Arsenal Under-21s.
The defender now becomes the second Cardiff player to join Penybont on loan this summer, following goalkeeper Dan Higgs through the door at Bryntirion Park.
Cardiff confirmed Debono’s departure with a short message to the defender, saying: “We’d like to wish Alyas all the best during his loan spell.”
Penybont sign Wales U19 international
The 19-year-old is also a one-time Wales Under-19 international, having represented his country in February 2025 under former Wales captain Chris Gunter. Debono also made four appearances for the Under-17s under Craig Knight, who is now part of the coaching staff at Wrexham.
During his time in the international set-up, Debono shared a team with the likes of Leeds United midfielder Charlie Crew and Dylan Lawlor, who has since progressed to the senior Wales squad. He will now come up against a familiar face in the Cymru Premier, including Josh Beecher, who left Cardiff City this summer to join Cambrian United, and Cody Twose, who was sent out on loan to Haverfordwest County, with the midfielder making his debut in their 2-1 victory over Trefelin.
While former Under-17 teammates Jacob Cook and Kit Margetson both spent time in the Welsh top flight with Connah’s Quay Nomads last summer.
Cardiff City entrust Penybont with another youngster
For Penybont, the move adds another young Cardiff player to a squad already benefiting from a strong connection with the Championship club.
Higgs joined the club on a season-long loan earlier this summer after signing his first professional contract with Cardiff. He initially joined the Bluebirds at the age of eight and will continue his development in the Welsh top flight before returning to Cardiff next summer.
The goalkeeper has established himself as Penybont’s first choice this season, starting all eight of their matches so far, including two UEFA Conference League qualifying fixtures.
Higgs also spent time with Penybont last season, making eight appearances during his spell with the club.
The relationship between the two clubs has also previously seen Liam Armstrong spend time at Penybont. The goalkeeper is now gaining experience in the Scottish Championship after joining Raith Rovers on loan.
