Bluebirds starlet Bagan bags a new City deal

RISING Cardiff City starlet Joel Bagan has signed a contract extension until 2023 as reward for his stellar breakthrough into the senior setup.

The 19-year-old left back has gained his fair share of admirers in this corner of the world after filling in admirably in the absence of Greg Cunningham and Joe Bennett in recent weeks.

He deputised in the Championship clashes against both Bournemouth and Middlesbrough and did so with aplomb, sparking excitement among the City fanbase that an academy prospect will finally break through into the senior setup after a lengthy wait.

Bagan, who spent the back end of last year on loan at Notts County to further in his first taste of senior football, is thought of incredibly highly by senior figures at Cardiff City and tying him down to a new deal will feel like a real coup for the club.

“It’s a great feeling to know that all the hard work and hours put in have paid off, but I know how hard I have to keep working,” Bagan told the club’s website.

“The Gaffer, staff and players welcomed me into the group from day one and have helped me whenever I’ve needed anything.

“It was important for me to get some time away on loan [at Notts County last season] because it shows you how much a step up the senior game is from U23s football; it’s competitive every time and it’s about winning and getting results.

“Playing in the games against Bournemouth and Middlesbrough from the start last month was very important for me and I felt confident and ready to be part of it.

“I learn from Joe Bennett and Greg Cunningham every day in training and games and it’s fantastic to have them and the other players around me to help me develop.”

Bagan has been training with the senior squad since the turn of the year and is a player the club believes will have a bright future in the game.

Neil Harris has spoken in glowing terms about the youngster in recent weeks and, upon the announcement of the youngster’s new deal, the Bluebirds boss predicted that Bagan will only go from strength to strength.

“We’re delighted as a club and delighted for Joel that he has signed an extension to his contract,” Harris said.

“Over the course of the past nine months he has acquitted himself and developed extremely well within the first-team environment; every day in training he impresses his team-mates as well as the staff and has put in some very strong performances.

“He’ll continue to get better, he has a desire to learn and it certainly looks like he has a big future with this football club.”