London (AFP) – Bobby Reid’s scoring exploits for Bristol City in the second tier Championship have earned a shot at the Premier League, signing for newboys Cardiff City on Thursday.
The 25-year-old striker — who scored 19 goals last season and provided seven assists as Bristol City looked like gaining promotion themselves before fading — will cost Cardiff a reported £10 million (11.3 million euros, $13 million) and signed a four year contract.
Reid enjoyed easily his best season in front of goal for City after a couple of fallow years and played a starring role in his club’s run to the League Cup semi-finals where they lost to Manchester City.
The striker became Cardiff’s second signing of the day as they also captured 28-year-old goalkeeper Alex Smithies from Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Reid said he was raring to prove he belonged at the elite level.
“I’m delighted to be here and to be a Premier League player,” he told the Cardiff website.
“I want to show my high energy and work rate, as well as being creative and working for the team. I’m buzzing to get started.”
Cardiff’s veteran manager Neil Warnock said Reid shared the desire to play in the Premier League that also made another signing, winger Josh Murphy from Norwich, attractive.
“I’ve been after Bobby for a while now. I like the lad,” the 69-year-old told the club website.
“By all accounts he’s great around the dressing room. He can play in a number of positions and his best is yet to come.
“Players like Bobby and Josh Murphy are hungry, and that is what we need now. We’re very happy to bring Bobby in.”
