Cardiff MET have completed the signing of defender Jack Hooper from Bristol City on a long-term loan deal. The 19-year-old centre-back joins the Cymru Premier side as clubs across Wales enter the final week of the summer transfer window.
Cardiff MET currently sit 10th in the Cymru Premier table with six points from their opening four matches. Their recent form shows two wins and two losses, leaving them six points behind league leaders Barry Town. The club has scored eight goals while conceding seven so far this season.
Jack Hooper is a 19-year-old centre-back who joins Cardiff MET from Championship side Bristol City. The club confirmed they had been tracking the young defender for some time before securing his signature. A Cardiff Met club statement said: "We’ve been tracking Jack for some time and have been really impressed with the development he’s made at Bristol City."
The statement described Hooper as tall, athletic, very quick, and dominant in aerial duels. Cardiff MET believe the defender has the potential to develop into a top player during his time with the club. The loan represents a strengthening of the partnership between the two clubs, with Cardiff MET noting they have worked closely with Bristol City on this arrangement.
Hooper's arrival provides additional depth to Cardiff MET's defensive line as they prepare for their next fixture against Penybont on October 30th. The young defender brings physical attributes that could help address the team's defensive record of seven goals conceded in four matches. His signing comes at a time when Cardiff MET are looking to build consistency after an inconsistent start to the season.
The club's current squad includes several defensive options, but Hooper's specific profile adds a different dimension. His height and aerial ability could prove valuable in both defensive and attacking set-piece situations. Fans can view the complete defensive roster on the club's squad page.
While Cardiff MET secured Hooper, other clubs across the Novira Cymru Leagues were busy in the transfer market. Midfielder Josh Williams returned to the Cymru Premier, joining Colwyn Bay on loan from Tranmere Rovers until January 2027. The 22-year-old has been recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined him since last year.
The New Saints made several moves, re-signing 18-year-old former academy product Rui Clarke-Phillips after an impressive pre-season trial. Head coach Craig Harrison called the decision a 'no-brainer' and noted the player's flexibility across multiple positions. Craig Harrison said: "Rui left Tranmere not so long ago, and we’d had really good reports on him, so he was unlucky not to get a contract there."
Bala Town added goalkeeper La'Trell Jones, who previously featured for Aston Villa and QPR academies before spells with Aberystwyth Town and Coleraine. Rhyl 1879 signed defender Jordan Brett from Kirkop Town while seeing Josh Lawrenson and Mo Ali depart. Cardiff Dracs brought in 39-year-old veteran marksman Luke Gullick from rivals Caerau Ely.
Cardiff MET's immediate focus shifts to integrating Jack Hooper into their defensive unit ahead of their next league match. The team faces Penybont at home on October 30th in what represents a challenging fixture against the third-placed side.
The club will hope Hooper's arrival helps solidify their defensive performances as they aim to climb from their current 10th position. With the transfer window closing soon, this could be Cardiff MET's final significant addition before the deadline. The team's progress in the coming weeks will determine whether they can close the six-point gap to the top of the table, with current standings available on our standings page.
