Cardiff City have completed their fifth signing of the summer with the capture of Callum O'Dowda on a three-year deal.
The winger joins on a free transfer after being released by Bristol City following six years with the Ashton Gate club. The 27-year-old has been a long-time target for Steve Morison throughout the summer, with the manager wanting to add wing options which were so desperately lacking last season. With the capture of O'Dowda, and Ollie Tanner, he is starting to make inroads on that front.
While Cardiff had made headway early on in the window, they have been implored to add some Championship experience to their squad, having so far recruited from elsewhere. Well, O'Dowda brings that in abundance, having notched up 160 Championship games already.
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“I’m delighted. It’s been a long process, from meeting the gaffer and going around the training ground, to actually putting pen to paper," the Irishman said.
“The intent and the passion the manager showed, and also the business that the club has been doing in the transfer window, was something that I want to be part of.
“I’m at a stage in my career where I’m hungry, I want to achieve as much as I can, and I feel as though I could be hitting my prime now. So, it’s all about kicking on with the right team, the right manager and a fantastic club."
O'Dowda joins Tanner, Ebou Adams, Jak Alnwick and Jamilu Collins as the summer recruits so far, with the Bluebirds' rebuild job now very much underway.
Speaking of the acquisition, manager Steve Morison said: “It’s been a long pursuit. We made contact a while back, he had a lot of options and he chose us at the end of it, so it’s credit to all the hard work that everybody has put in.
“He fits the bill in all departments. He brings that quality in the final third, and he’s a really good athlete. He can score goals, he can make goals, and we’ve just got to get the best out of him.
“I showed him the plan, explained how he would fit into that plan, and showed him what we want to do. We want players who want to be here and be part of it, and I’m really pleased to have him on board.”
WalesOnline first reported Cardiff's interest in the wide man, who has 23 caps for the Republic of Ireland, last month, however they faced stiff competition with as many as seven Championship clubs understood to have been interested in his signature.
O'Dowda underwent a medical with Cardiff on Tuesday before penning a goodbye message to Robins supporters on his social media channels on Wednesday morning.
"My time at Bristol City has come to an end and I am so thankful I was able to represent this club," he wrote. "I want to thank all the players, staff and above all the fans for their continued support over the last six years. I will always have such respect and admiration for this football club.
"All the best, Callum."
