Cardiff City FC are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Sivert Mannsverk on loan from Ajax until the end of the 2024/25 campaign, subject to international clearance.
Hailing from Øvre Årdal in Norway, Sivert began his career at Sogndal, before joining Molde in 2021. During his time there, the central midfielder won the Eliteserien and the Norwegian Cup in 2022, going on to be named the Eliteserien’s Breakthrough Player of the Year.
A move to Ajax followed in 2023, where he signed a five-year contract. Sivert also boasts international experience, having represented Norway at youth level from U15s up to U21s.
The midfielder becomes our second signing of the January transfer window, following the acquisition of striker Yousef Salech.
Our new recruit could make his debut in our clash with Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.
After joining the Bluebirds, Sivert said: “I’m really excited and looking forward to getting started. I know Cardiff City is a huge club. In the past, they have played a lot of Premier League football. I’m from Norway and Norwegians are very into English football. I really wanted to try it, and coming to Cardiff City was an easy decision. It’s a good impression; the stadium is really nice and I’m looking forward to meeting the fans.
“This is a big challenge for me. That’s also why I wanted to take this challenge, because I like challenges. The Championship is a tough league, a robust league, so hopefully it fits my type of play. I would describe myself as a technical and tactical player. I also have a robustness in me, which you need to play in the Championship. I also want to give this team technical ability with my skills.
“I talked to Jesper [Daland] yesterday as well and spoke about the Club, and he was very positive about a lot of things here in the Club, so he definitely helped me to come here. I’m looking forward to playing with him again since we played a lot of U21 games together.”
City boss Omer Riza added: “He’s very hungry and wants to do well, he’s a good quality player in midfield and is someone that will really add to the squad. Defensively, he is strong and powerful, he’s good in duels and will protect the back four really well. He senses danger and his positioning is good.
“Attacking-wise, he can get himself out of tight situations with his technical ability and can drive forwards with the ball from deep areas, taking players out of the game and allowing us to attack with more players. He’s got good qualities in and out of possession, a strong boy, powerful and a good engine on him. All-round, he’s a very good player who will add to our squad.
“Players always yearn for competitiveness. An extra addition in there will hopefully push our players, who have done excellently so far, to be even better. It will push Sivert as well. Our players that are coming in are coming into a group that is very close and working hard. They need to show they can be a part of that and I’m sure they will do.”
Welcome to the Welsh capital, Sivert!
