Cardiff City sign young England centre-back Steven Caulker from Tottenham Hotspur

Cardiff City F.C. continued preparations for their first taste of Premier League football by completing the signing of England international centre-back Steven Caulker from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal reportedly worth around £8 million.

Caulker has agreed to a four-year contract.

Steven Caulker (L)

The 21-year-old told Cardiff’s website: “I want to say how happy I am to have signed with Cardiff City. I’m delighted to be here & excited for this fresh challenge. You get the sense of excitement from everybody at the club in the build-up to the season’s kick-off at West Ham, and I’m really looking forward to being part of it”.

Cardiff had signed FC Copenhagen striker Andreas Cornelius for around £7.5 million at the start of the transfer window which was then the club record transfer fee. Caulker’s £8 million thus makes him Cardiff’s record signing.

They have also brought in Derby County defender John Brayford and Brentford goalkeeper Simon Moore in this transfer window.

Player profile:

Name in native country:	Steven Roy Caulker
Date of birth:	29.12.1991
Place of birth:	London
Age:	21
Height:	1,91
Nationality:	England
Position:	Defence – Centre Back
Foot:	Right
Market value:	7.000.000 £
Player’s agent:	Stellar Football Ltd

A product of the Tottenham Hotspur Academy, Caulker has spent the last three seasons on loan. Starting with Yeovil Town (2009/10; League One), Bristol City (2010/11; Championship) and Swansea City (2011/12; Premier League).

All three spells could be termed successful as the player gathered valuable experience playing majority of the games for the three respective sides with the level of football rising each season.

He has represented England at the Under-19 and Under-21 levels with more than 10 caps at both and also featured in the Great Britain 2012 Olympics team.

Caulker made his full international debut in the friendly against Sweden on 14 November 2012 and scored a debut goal, playing the first 74 minutes before being substituted with England winning 2–1, the team eventually losing 4–2.

Many Tottenham fans took the social media route tweeting baffled and some what angry reactions as the Caulker deal has not gone down well with some fans.

With reports of negotiations with Real Madrid over Gareth Bale coming thick and fast, the fans fear these transfers send a negative sign of intent on part of the Tottenham management.