**Cardiff City Forward Kion Etete Secures Loan Switch to Rotherham United**
Cardiff City’s Kion Etete has sealed a season-long loan to Rotherham United, becoming the League One club’s tenth addition of the summer ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The move, which is subject to the usual regulatory approvals from the EFL, FA, and relevant Welsh authorities, marks a fresh challenge for the 23-year-old forward, who has so far struggled to secure a regular starting place in South Wales.
Etete’s loan follows a period of uncertainty regarding his future at the Cardiff City Stadium. After returning from Cardiff’s pre-season tour of Spain, the striker was conspicuously absent from subsequent team activities, sparking speculation about his next steps. With this development, both club and player will be hoping for renewed momentum as Etete links up with the Millers’ squad under the management of Matt Hamshaw.
The Derby-born attacker first rose to prominence with Notts County, before attracting attention from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. Multiple loan stints, including spells at Bolton Wanderers, Cheltenham Town, and Northampton Town, have broadened his experience in the English Football League system. However, first-team opportunities at Cardiff since his 2022 transfer have been limited, with Etete featuring 63 times and netting nine goals during his tenure with the Bluebirds.
Cardiff City confirmed the move officially, expressing gratitude for Etete’s efforts and wishing him well for the season. A club spokesperson stated, “Kion linked up with us in 2022 and has made a significant contribution during his time here. We’d like to wish Kion all the very best while away from Cardiff City Stadium.”
Rotherham United, who have invested heavily in squad reinforcements this transfer window, are eager to see Etete bolster their attacking options. His arrival is expected to provide healthy competition to a forward line already containing last season’s top scorer Jordan Hugill, alongside Sam Nombe and Joshua Kayode. Etete, notably, will be reunited with Hugill, a former Bluebird himself.
In anticipation of the move, Rotherham released a statement highlighting Etete’s pedigree and recent milestones: “Rotherham United are delighted to confirm the signing of striker Kion Etete, on loan from Cardiff City until the end of the 2025/26 season. His proven EFL experience and spell in the Championship will be invaluable as we look to strengthen ahead of our opener against Port Vale.”
Saturday’s fixture against Port Vale could potentially mark Etete’s first appearance in Rotherham colours, dependent on the completion of paperwork and international clearance. The Millers faithful will be eager to see their new number lead the line as the club eyes a strong start to the League One campaign.
Etete’s departure creates selection dilemmas at Cardiff City. With both Michael Reindorf and Roko Simic already departing on loan this summer, manager Brian Barry-Murphy finds his options up front somewhat depleted. Only Yousef Salech and Callum Robinson remain as senior strikers, while Isaak Davies provides additional cover if required.
This strategic move not only aids Etete’s development with valuable playing time, but also gives Cardiff the opportunity to further assess their striking options in a competitive environment. The loan period represents a vital juncture for Etete, who will aim to rediscover his early promise and return to South Wales reinvigorated.
With the League One season about to kick off, both clubs are adjusting their squads in pursuit of their respective ambitions. Etete’s progress at the New York Stadium will be keenly monitored by Cardiff City fans and management alike, in anticipation of what the future holds for the promising young striker.