Striker Kion Etete will have a medical at #CardiffCity today ahead of completing a permanent move. The Bluebirds will pay Spurs £500,000.
Cardiff are signing Etete on a permanent move.
Medical booked in today, £500k fee with a Tottenham buy-back option inserted
JON PALMER CHELTENHAM REPORTER ON KION ETETE’S TIME AT CHELTENHAM TOWN:
How would you rate Etete's time at Cheltenham?
Impressive and it would have been even better if he hadn’t been hampered by injuries because he only started 10 games, along with three appearances from the bench. After a delayed arrival from Tottenham in January to a hamstring problem, he took over from the injured Southampton loanee Dan Nlundulu alongside Alfie May up front and the two instantly struck up a fruitful partnership. Etete suffered ankle and hip niggles so didn’t start for just over a month towards the end of the season, but he returned for four games, only to miss the last game of the season at Cambridge United. It was definitely more staccato than he would have liked, but when he played he nearly always contributed positively.
What was the high point of his time there?
Etete scored three times, including a late headed equaliser against Gillingham at home which took the Robins to their highest ever League One points tally with three games to spare. His performance in the 5-5 draw at Wycombe Wanderers, when he scored a fine goal and played a big part in May scoring the other four, was hugely impressive. His other strike came in a 2-1 home defeat by bottom club Crewe, when May set him up, but it was more often the other way around.
What's he like as a player?
Tall, strong and mobile. Selfless too. He was subjected to some rough treatment, including having the shirt literally ripped off his back in one game, but he handled it well and appears to have a sound temperament. He made a positive impression in the dressing room. The fans also took to him and would love to have seen him return this season, but realistically he was always destined for a higher level of football in 2022/23.
Any weaknesses?
Consistency mainly. Cheltenham boss Michael Duff said Etete was learning about his body and the demands of regular League One football last season, which I am sure he has taken on board and worked on.
His goal record perhaps isn't too eye-catching at senior level, is that a fair concern?
It will only be an issue if he isn’t contributing in other ways, which he certainly achieved at Cheltenham. He scored three, but was involved in several others, regularly laying chances on a plate. He will cause problems with his physical attributes, but he can definitely finish.
Is he good enough to be a success in the Championship?
If he can become more durable, he looks fully capable of stepping up and performing well in the Championship. He arrived at Cheltenham having performed well for Northampton Town in League Two and Spurs were keen to test him a level up. He passed his League One test and at only 20 years old, he should improve further at a club like Cardiff City.
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