**Cardiff City Nears First Signing Under Barry Barry-Murphy as Transfer Window Heats Up**
Cardiff City appear set to secure their first signing of the summer transfer window under the guidance of new head coach Brian Barry-Murphy, with reports strongly linking FC Copenhagen’s Nathan Trott with a loan move to the Welsh side. The club, eager to strengthen key areas ahead of a challenging campaign, may make the 26-year-old goalkeeper the inaugural addition of Barry-Murphy’s tenure.
The Cardiff goalkeeping situation has proved uncertain in recent months, particularly with speculation around current first-choice Ethan Horvath. The American international reportedly seeks a move to increase his prospects of selection for the US Men’s National Team ahead of next year’s World Cup, with various clubs across Europe and the United States expressing an interest in securing his services.
Reports from Denmark, first circulated by Bold and later corroborated by Tipsbladet, indicate that the Bluebirds are closing in on an agreement with Trott. Sources close to the negotiations have suggested the deal could be announced imminently, with the English goalkeeper poised to join on a season-long loan. It is understood the arrangement also includes an option for Cardiff to make the switch permanent should they succeed in earning promotion this season, with the fee believed to be set at around £1.57 million.
Nathan Trott’s footballing journey has seen him rise through West Ham United’s youth academy before spending time on loan at clubs such as Wimbledon, Nancy and Vejle. After establishing himself in Denmark’s Superliga, Trott featured 30 times for FC Copenhagen in all competitions last year. Despite interest from several clubs including AGF, OB, German side FC Köln and Portugal’s Estoril, Cardiff seem to have won the race for his signature.
The move comes at a time when squad depth, particularly in defensive positions and out wide, remains a concern for Cardiff. The club has seen a dozen players depart over the summer and rumours persist of further exits before the window closes. Head coach Barry-Murphy’s vision for the team revolves around a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet, which could suit Trott’s style of play. Jak Alnwick, another of Cardiff’s goalkeepers, has demonstrated some ability in this area, although neither he nor Horvath has secured the position with consistent form.
Addressing supporters after the Bluebirds’ concluding pre-season fixture—a 2-2 draw with Notts County—Barry-Murphy offered insight into his transfer planning. He reiterated his desire to supplement the squad, emphasising the importance of acquiring players that fit specific profiles and bring excitement to fans at Cardiff City Stadium. While he ruled out mass signings, the new head coach admitted the team could see “one, two, three or four” more arrivals before the deadline, as he continues to shape a competitive lineup.
“We’re really focused on bringing in players who fit the identity we want to create here,” Barry-Murphy explained following the friendly. “It’s about creating a squad that supporters are eager to watch—a team that can achieve something different. It’s a process we’re making good progress with, and hopefully, we can add a few more before the window shuts.”
Trott’s anticipated signing is seen as a step towards implementing this new approach, with Barry-Murphy keen to foster a group dynamic that blends existing talent with carefully chosen reinforcements. The coach’s candid reflections on recruitment suggest further announcements may be forthcoming, as Cardiff looks to bounce back strongly this coming season.
For the Bluebirds’ fanbase, the transfer update brings both hope and anticipation. With the club still active in the market and a new philosophy under way, Cardiff supporters will be watching closely as the summer window continues to unfold—buoyed by the prospect of new faces bolstering their ambitions for promotion and progress on the pitch.