Bluebirds fans a ‘deciding factor’ reveals Moore
CARDIFF City have signed striker Kieffer Moore from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee.
The Bluebirds were eager to recruit the Wales forward back in January, although a move never materialised.
But Cardiff have landed their man with less than a month to go until the 2020/21 Championship campaign gets under way, with Moore signing a three-year contract with the Bluebirds.
It means he becomes Neil Harris’ first permanent signing as Cardiff boss.
Speaking after signing at Cardiff City Stadium, Moore said: “The interest has been there for some time. I’m thrilled to get this over the line.
“I’ve spoken to the manager and his desire is to get promoted to the Premier League and that is something I share.
“The fans were a deciding factor for me. I know I’m going to play really good football here. The game really suits me. To have the backing from the fans straight away is amazing.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the boys and getting started.”
Harris – who led Cardiff into the play-offs last term after arriving midway through the campaign – was keen to bolster his forward options following Omar Bogle’s departure and Danny Ward’s expected exit. It’s understood the transfer fee is just below £2million, which is lower than the quoted price when Cardiff attempted to recruit Moore in January.
Wigan’s relegation played a significant part in the sum being reduced, and it means Harris now has the man who he feels can play a key part in Cardiff’s promotion bid next term.
He had also been linked with a move to Middlesbrough under former Cardiff boss Neil Warnock, with Moore having spoken to both Harris and the Yorkshireman amid the tug-of-war for his services.
Harris commented: “I’m delighted to finally get him here. It is no secret that we tracked him in January but it wasn’t possible at the time. Obviously he came here and scored two goals a few weeks later.
“He’s a quality striker at this level.
“Our fans are fully aware of his ability – after that game and his appearances in the Welsh shirt.
“We’re very pleased to get him on board.”
Moore was aware the Cardiff or Middlesbrough sides would be built around him, with Harris believing Moore’s stature, and ability on the ball which he has shown while on Wales duty, mean he can make the front-man the focal point of his own team.
Moore, who stands at 6ft 5ins, netted 10 times in 36 Championship appearances for the Latics last term, while he has scored two goals in his five outings for Wales.
His former clubs also include Truro City, Dorchester Town, Yeovil Town, Viking, Forest Green Rovers, Torquay United, Ipswich Town, Rotherham United and Barnsley.