Evans & Patten extend deals; Bakare signs
Three promising players have committed their futures to the Bluebirds this week.
Kieron Evans and Keenan Patten have put pen-to-paper on new contracts with Cardiff City Football Club, while the Bluebirds are pleased to announce the signing of central defender Ibrahim Bakare, following a successful trial with the Club.
19-year-old Kieron has agreed a new two-year contract with Cardiff City, running until the summer of 2023. The Welsh youth international has already been a part of the First Team matchday squad on a number of occasions this season.
Speaking after signing his new contract, Kieron said: "I feel amazing. I've been at the Club since I was ten. Signing my second pro contract here is a great feeling. It was a no-brainer for me. I want to prove that I can make it at this Club. I've learnt a lot in the last 12 months with the 23s and the First Team and I can't wait to see what the future holds."
Central midfielder Keenan has signed a one-year contract extension, agreeing terms until June 2022. Patten spent part of last season playing out on loan with Cymru Premier side Penybont – and after fighting back from a serious back injury, has been involved in City First Team squads this campaign while regularly featuring for the U23 side.
Keenan spoke of his delight in signing a new contract, saying: “I'm really pleased to be extending my deal and I'm excited to see what the next year brings. This is home for me. It's my boyhood Club and it's my goal to break through here. We're getting the opportunities in training and to be involved in First Team squads, and I want to work hard to be a part of that regularly.”
18-year-old Ibrahim joins City on a deal until the summer of 2022, having previously been with League Two side Morecambe.
"I'm really happy to be here,” Ibrahim said this week. “I came over and spent ten days on trial and played in two matches, and after the last of those I was told they'd like me to sign. This is a step up for me. It's a historic Club. I want to show what I can do and learn off the experienced players and staff. My aim is to get my head down, get into the best shape possible, finish the season off well and show my quality."
Cardiff City U23 coach Steve Morison added his congratulations to the three young players, saying: "Kieron Evans has been a standout performer since I've come in. He's been excellent. To top it all off he's now adding assists and goals in every game alongside his performances, which have got him really noticed. He deserves it.
"From the moment I joined the Club I was told how good a player Keenan Patten is. I've seen that since the day he's come back into training after injury. He's been excellent. I think this extra year is warranted so he can prove what he's made of and make up for the time he's missed.
"Ibrahim needs to settle at a Club. He was at Morecambe and lockdown happened. He had a successful loan move at Lancaster Town too. I want to see him grow. Physically, he's a big, strong lad. He came in, he was really confident and showed great leadership qualities. He's got really good character and I think he'll be a really good acquisition for the group.”
