Jonathan Panzo has joined Cardiff City on loan from Premier League Nottingham Forest after talks over a potential £2.5 million move to Rangers hit the buffers.
After weeks of speculation, and rumours linking him with a whole host of clubs on both sides of Hadrian’s Wall, Nottingham Forest’s forgotten man finally has a new club. And he could hardly have left it any later either; Jonathan Panzo completing his move to Cardiff City midway through dealine day.
Panzo’s arrival in South Wales comes around six weeks after the Daily Record reported that Rangers were ‘edging closer’ to a £2.5 million permanent deal for the one-time Chelsea and Monaco defender.
According to the 4th Official, however, Panzo had reservations about moving to Scotland, however. And he instead jumps at the opportunity to continue his career in the Championship after helping unfancied Coventry City reach the play-off final last term.
Rangers target Jonathan Panzo moves to Cardiff City
“I’m buzzing to be here and for it to finally get across the line. I can’t wait to get started,” Panzo tells the Bluebirds website.
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“I picked Cardiff City because of the Gaffer (Erol Bulut), the team, and I felt like it was an exciting project for sure. I want to show the fans what I can do and help the boys shine.”
With Jake Cooper signing a new deal at Millwall, with Ronnie Edwards too expensive and with Mick Beale playing down reports linking Zak Vyner with a move to Ibrox, the smart money is on Harry Souttar of Leicester City putting pen to paper if Rangers are indeed going to add to their defensive ranks before Friday’s deadline.
Souttar, the younger brother of Rangers stopper John Souttar, is not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans at the King Power Stadium.
Bulut, meanwhile, is pleased to add a proven Championship talent to a Cardiff side who have lost just one of their first four games.
“I’m pleased that Jonathan has agreed to join. He’s going to bring extra stability to our defence,” smiles the Bluebirds boss.
“He had a very good season with Coventry City last year and already has great experience of this league. He’s a left-sided centre-back, which gives us something we needed.
“It’s a very good signing for us.”