Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy believes Nathan Trott will add a huge amount to the Bluebirds’ promotion-seeking campaign after making the goalkeeper his first signing.
Trott, 26, arrives from Danish side Copenhagen on a season-long loan, with Cardiff understood to have an option to buy if they secure promotion back to the Championship this season.
The move marks a return to English football for Bermudan-born, former England U21 international Trott, who came through the ranks at Valencia and West Ham before enjoying loan spells at AFC Wimbledon, Nancy, and Vejle.
He signed permanently for Copenhagen in 2024 and made 17 appearances for them last season.
“We want to recruit absolute quality in every area of the pitch and players that can play the way we see the Club playing as we move forward and Nathan embodies all of that,” said Cardiff boss Barry-Murphy, who took over from Omer Riza earlier this summer.
Barry-Murphy has followed Trott’s career closely, having faced him while managing Rochdale against Wimbledon during the keeper’s loan spell in 2019.
“I've known and watched Nathan play for a long time. I actually managed against him while he was on loan at Wimbledon,” he added.
“He fits the mould of the player we want to attract to the Club.
“He is still very young, he has a high level of skill and also has real room for growth and improvement to take his game to another level and that's the challenge we'll put to him.”
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Beyond his on-field attributes, Barry-Murphy believes Trott will play a vital leadership role in a competitive goalkeeping group that includes Jak Alnwick, Ethan Horvath, and youngster Matt Turner.
“We'll also be looking to him to use his experience to provide leadership qualities to the squad.”
Trott insists is eager to embrace this new chapter in League One.
“It's a great move for me,” he said.
“I've spoken with Brian on the direction he wants the Club to go in. It's something I want to be a part of. I'm no stranger to new environments and learning new things and see this as a strength in myself.
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This is a huge moment for me in my career. I'm happy to be here.”
Trott could make his debut as early as Thursday, when the Bluebirds travel for their first away fixture and take on Port Vale.
The new keeper may have to be patient, however, as Turner made an impressive debut against Peterborough last Saturday and made a string of excellent saves in the 2-1 victory.
"Matt Turner wasn't complicated," Barry-Murphy said afterwards of the goalkeeper's selection.
"I didn't know a lot about Matt, but since day one of pre-season, he's been exceptional. His attitude, in terms of what we asked him to do, his commitment and his skill level as a goalkeeper has been outstanding.
"So, based on what I saw, he was the clear pick."
