Alex Robertson, a midfielder for Manchester City, signed a four-year contract to play for Cardiff City.
The £3 million agreed upon contract for the Australia international could change.
After completing his medical on Monday, 21-year-old Robertson was signed as Cardiff’s fifth summer acquisition by Championship club.
Portsmouth, a recently promoted Championship team, faced competition from Cardiff for the Scottish-born player.
Gavin Rae, a former player for Cardiff who played there for four years from 2007 to 2011, is the nephew of Robertson.
“He [Rae] told me a lot of good things about the city and the club,” Robertson, who grew up wearing Bluebirds gear, said on the club website.
“As I move forward in my career, I feel like this is the best place to be.” I’m giddy. It has been a while in coming. It’s across the line, which is a relief.”
Erol Bulut, the manager of Cardiff, continued, “We’re happy Alex is here.
“His talent is evident by the six other clubs that expressed interest in signing him. In our discussion ten days ago, we outlined our objectives for Alex and the club. Our intentions and aspirations coincided.
“Alex has a lot to offer. He’s got talent. He can complement what we already have and has excellent technical proficiency and work rate. In the midfield, we now have a fantastic blend of youth and experience.”
Robertson was about to reach the last year of his deal with the Premier League winners.
Following Bulut’s statement last week that Robertson was a “interesting” talent, Cardiff were hopeful of signing him.
Though he had a great loan season in 2023–24, making 23 appearances and scoring a goal before an injury curtailed his season in January, Portsmouth was eager to get the player back to Fratton Park.
With the addition of Roberton, Bulut has bolstered Cardiff’s midfield following the addition of defender Callum Chambers.
By bringing in Chris Willock, Anwar El Ghazi, and Ivorian striker Wilfried Kanga on loan from Hertha BSC, Bulut has further bolstered his attacking capabilities.
Hull City, a rival in the Championship, is supposedly putting pressure on the Bluebirds to recruit Kasey McAteer, a winger for Leicester City.
In addition, Cardiff had to cope with a quadruple injury blow due to the extended preseason ailments sustained by left back Jamilu Collins, attackers Isaak Davies and Kion Etete, and other players.
According to Bulut, Collins would be out for six to eight weeks, Etete for three months, and Davies for four months.
