Cardiff City are poised to announce their fourth signing of the summer with Nigeria international Jamilu Collins to undergo a medical today (May 19).
On Wednesday, Cardiff announced the capture of talented 20-year-old winger Ollie Tanner, who turned down a move to Premier League giants Tottenham in January. That came after goalkeeper Jak Alnwick and midfielder Ebou Adams had already been confirmed as City signings in recent days.
Now, Collins - a 27-year-old left-back - will become the fourth, pending the outcome of his medical, WalesOnline understands.
Collins is set to join as 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 this country about the player. It is understood 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.
WalesOnline reported back in March that Cardiff were to cast their net further afield this summer, hoping to dip into the European market for bargains. Insiders at the club certainly hope Collins will prove to be just that.
Collins has 25 Nigeria caps to his name and was at Croatian club Rijeka for five seasons before joining Paderborn, a club he helped to achieve two promotions to reach the Bundesliga in 2019.
It is widely considered that his best moment in a Paderborn shirt was when he scored a 30-yard thunderbolt past Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer in September 2019. It is well worth a search on YouTube. A few of those in a Cardiff shirt should help endear him to the City faithful to no end next season.
An official announcement is expected in the next 48 hours.