Sivert Mannsverk: Cardiff City sign Ajax midfielder on loan
2025-01-27
Category: sports

Cardiff City have signed Ajax midfielder Sivert Mannsverk on loan until the end of the season.The Norwegian, 22, has only made two league appearances for Ajax this season because of injury so the Dutch giants are eager for him to regain his fitness.Mannsverk started his career at Sogndal before joining Molde, where he won the Eliteserien - Norway's top flight - and the Norwegian Cup in 2022.He was then named the Eliteserien's breakthrough player of the year, earning a Â£5m move to Ajax in 2023.Mannsverk becomes Cardiff's second signing of the January transfer window after striker Yousef Salech, and could make his debut at Leeds United in Saturday's Championship fixture."I'm really excited and looking forward to getting started," said Mannsverk."I know Cardiff City is a huge club. In the past, they have played a lot of Premier League football. Coming to Cardiff City was an easy decision. It's a good impression; the stadium is really nice and I'm looking forward to meeting the fans."
Mannsverk's arrival is timely for Cardiff, who are without midfielders Aaron Ramsey and David Turnbull because of long-term injuries."This is a big challenge for me. That's also why I wanted to take this challenge, because I like challenges," added Mannsverk."The Championship is a tough league, a robust league, so hopefully it fits my type of play. "I would describe myself as a technical and tactical player. I also have a robustness in me, which you need to play in the Championship. I also want to give this team technical ability with my skills."I talked to Jesper [Daland, Cardiff's Norwegian centre-back] as well and spoke about the club, and he was very positive about a lot of things here in the club, so he definitely helped me to come here. I'm looking forward to playing with him again since we played a lot of under-21 games together."Cardiff manager Omer Riza said of Mannsverk: "He's very hungry and wants to do well, he's a good quality player in midfield and is someone that will really add to the squad. "Defensively, he is strong and powerful, he's good in duels and will protect the back four really well. He senses danger and his positioning is good."Attacking-wise, he can get himself out of tight situations with his technical ability and can drive forwards with the ball from deep areas, taking players out of the game and allowing us to attack with more players. "He's got good qualities in and out of possession, a strong boy, powerful and a good engine on him. All-round, he's a very good player who will add to our squad."For Cardiff to make further signings, senior club sources have indicated players may have to be sold.Striker Kion Etete looks likely to leave on loan, with Riza still keen to add to his attacking options.Cardiff, who are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions, are 18th in the Championship.