Semi Ajayi Recommends Jamilu Collins To Cardiff, Set For Medical

Cardiff City are closing in on the signing of SC Paderborn defender Jamilu Collins, according to various reports.

27 year old Collins is available on a free transfer following the end of his contract as Bundesliga 2 club SC Paderborn, where he has spent the last five seasons.

The player’s versatility is certainly seen as a big plus point, given he can play at centre-back, wing-back and on the left-hand side of midfield, however his primary position is as an orthodox left-back.

It is a position which Cardiff definitely need bolstering. Joel Bagan is the only recognised senior left-back, while the Bluebirds are resigned to the fact former loanee Ryan Giles has his sights set on a Premier League loan next season.

But Collins is someone Cardiff’s recruitment team identified earlier this year and the club have kept tabs on him ever since. He played for Nigeria in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, featuring for 90 minutes in their 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau, and Cardiff were keen onlookers then.

The Bluebirds also sought references from contacts in the UK about the player, and Megasportsarena.com understands that former Cardiff defender Semi Ajayi, currently at West Brom and also Collins’ team-mate at international level, was one of those to give a positive reference.

Collins has been a key player for Paderborn since joining them back in 2017 but is now poised for a new chapter in his career in England.

The left-back has made 137 appearances for the German outfit over the past few campaigns, chipping in with two goals and nine assists.

He also has experience of playing in the Bundesliga but spent last season in the second division.

The Nigeria international started his career at Rijeka in Croatia but never made a senior appearance for them, instead spending time away on loan at Pomorac, Krka, Istra and Sibenik to get game time.

Collins will add more competition and depth to Cardiff City’s squad and could prove to be a shrewd addition on a free transfer, especially due to the fact he has experience of playing at the top level in Germany.