After the 2019-20 JD Cymru Premier season was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic, many clubs have already began planning for next season.
Earlier this month, the Football Association of Wales announced that they would be delaying the registration period for clubs to bring in new players.
They are, however, yet to announce when the transfer window will open – but that hasn’t stopped a number of players agreeing deals with clubs for next season’s campaign.
League Two side Newport County are one of a number of clubs who are feeling the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic and have not offered deals to players whose contracts expire this summer.And that could allow Cymru Premier clubs to swoop for a lengthy list of free agents ahead of next season’s campaign.
Here are five free agents who could make the move to the Cymru Premier…
Momodou Touray
After spending the last two seasons on loan with Barry Town United, Momodou Touray could make a return to the Welsh top flight next season after he was released by Newport County.
Touray, who has represented Wales at under-19 and under-21 level, picked up the Cymru Premier young player of the year award during his first season at Jenner Park.
The 20-year-old joined National League Torquay United on a one-month loan deal ahead of the 2019-20 campaign before rejoining Gavin Chesterfield’s men for the remainder of the season.
He scored three goals for the club before the campaign was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but could link up with the Linnets again next term.
Jay Foulston
A team-mate of Touray’s during their time together at Newport County, Jay Foulston was also released by the League Two side earlier this month.
The defender, who progressed through the Exiles’ academy ranks before making his senior debut in 2017, signed his first professional contract with the club two seasons ago.
Foulston spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at National League South club Chippenham Town before the season was curtailed due to the pandemic.
https://twitter.com/ChipTownFC/status/1266344911240155137?s=20
He was a regular fixture in the Bluebirds’ starting line-up and picked up the club’s goal of the season accolade for his free-kick against Slough Town.
His move to Chippenham to secure more minutes proved to be successful and a switch to the Cymru Premier could allow Foulston to pick up regular game-time again next term.
Cameron Coxe
Wales Under-21 international Cameron Coxe was told he is surplus to requirements at Cardiff City and is now on the lookout for a new club after spending 12 years at the Championship club.
Coxe, who was reportedly linked with a shock move to Premier League champions Manchester City last year, is one of a number of players whose contracts will not be renewed this summer.
The Merthyr-born defender found first team opportunities hard to come by during his time at the club, having made just four senior appearances.
He fell further down the pecking order when Neil Harris brought in Wolves full-back Dion Sanderson in January, with Coxe already competing with Wales international Jazz Richards, who has also left the club.
Still only 21-years-old, Coxe looks as though he has a promising career ahead of him but securing regular game-time next season will be crucial for the defender.
Sion Spence
Another player who has been shown the exit door by Cardiff City, Sion Spence already knows all about the Cymru Premier.
The 19-year-old spent the first half of the season playing alongside Touray at Barry Town United before returning to the Cardiff City Stadium in January.
He made 13 appearances during his time at Jenner Park, scoring twice and assisting twice for Chesterfield’s side.
Spence, who made his debut for the Bluebirds’ under-23 side when he was just 16, was also a part of the under-18 side that lifted their first PDL2 South title in 2019. It was another impressive season for the youngster after managing 11 goals in 15 appearances.The Barry-born midfielder is now on the lookout for a new club following his release by the Championship outfit and could make a return to his boyhood team.
Ryan Pryce
Defender Ryan Pryce has also been released by Cardiff City as part of the Bluebirds’ academy overhaul.
The former TNS defender joined the Championship club from the 13-time Cymru Premier champions in 2018 after catching the eye of a number of scouts during his time at Jamie Vardy’s V9 Academy, which looks to give non-league players the opportunity of playing league football.
Ryan Pryce in action against Bala Town last night! #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/VMhHJXPQug
— The New Saints FC (@tnsfc) October 5, 2016
But Pryce failed to make a senior appearance and spent the last two seasons with the under-23 side, making 11 appearances before the campaign was brought to a halt due to the pandemic.
The 21-year-old impressed during his time in the Welsh top flight and could make a return to Park Hall to help TNS reclaim the Cymru Premier title from current champions Connah’s Quay Nomads.
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