Cardiff City have completed the permanent signing of centre-half Krystian Bielik from West Bromwich Albion on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. The 28-year-old Poland international becomes the Bluebirds' fourth senior summer recruit following the arrivals of goalkeeper Nathan Trott, midfielder Jack Moylan and left-back Calum Scanlon.
Bielik, who can operate as a centre-back or in midfield, joins a Cardiff backline currently depleted by injury. Will Fish, Dylan Lawlor, Calum Chambers and Gabriel Osho are all sidelined, though Osho is thought to be close to a return. His experience adds depth to a squad that has already handed a debut to 15-year-old Noah Anyadike, who became the youngest player in EFL Cup history during Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Norwich City.
Bielik made 17 Championship appearances for West Brom last season, a club that finished 21st and narrowly avoided relegation to League One. He began his career at Legia Warsaw before spells with Birmingham City, Walsall, Charlton Athletic and Derby County, where he spent four years. He has almost 150 Sky Bet Championship appearances and 11 international caps for Poland.
Bielik is the fourth senior signing for Cardiff City's First Team squad this summer, completing a recruitment drive that has so far focused on bolstering defensive options. The club confirmed the move via their official channels, with the player stating: "I'm very excited, I'm finally here and I couldn't be happier." He added: "I've played a few times against Cardiff City, and it's never been an easy place to come to."
Bielik is in contention to make his debut when Cardiff host Sheffield United on Saturday at 15:00 BST. The Bluebirds currently stand 12th in the Championship with 2 points from two games (0W-2D-0L), recent form DD, having scored three and conceded three.
