Image Credits: Imago Images
Cardiff City’s return to the Championship has set the tone for a huge summer in the Welsh capital, both for the first team and the club’s emerging talent.
Their 3-1 win away at Reading in April was more than just another impressive League One away performance.
It was the afternoon that confirmed an immediate return to the second tier, sparking wild scenes in the away end as Brian Barry-Murphy’s side completed the job at the first attempt after relegation in 2024/25.
With the club back where they feel they belong, attention has quickly turned to building a squad that can cope with the demands of the Championship – and that includes rewarding the youngsters who have impressed behind the scenes.
One of those is former Liverpool academy winger Hayden Allmark.
Allmark came through the youth ranks at Liverpool before moving to Cardiff at U18 level ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Since arriving in South Wales, the attack‑minded wide player has settled quickly, earning a two‑year scholarship and becoming a regular across the age groups, even stepping up to U21 level last season as Cardiff’s staff began to trust his creativity in the final third.
His progress has now been rewarded, with the club confirming that Allmark is among five young Bluebirds to sign their first professional contracts as Cardiff prepare for life back in the Championship.
Speaking at Cardiff City Stadium, Hayden said: “I’m so happy to sign a professional contract at a massive club like Cardiff City. I’ve loved my time here so far, I’ve learned a lot through playing regularly. I’m excited for the step to U21s.
“Last season was positive for me. I made my U21 debut and that was great to see the differences and how to get to grips with it. That’s the aim for this season is making that step.
“It’s an important few weeks. We’re coming up against a range of teams in pre-season and we can learn a lot from those games.”
It comes after Derby County signed former Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clarke earlier this month.