Cardiff City have recalled youngster Eli King from League Two side Morecambe, after impressing during a loan spell for the first half of the season.
The Cardiff Academy graduate, who has made 14 appearances in the Welsh international youth setup, has attracted interest from clubs higher up the English Football League, after impressing during his time at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium. A decision has not yet been made on wether the Bluebirds will look to loan him back out for the remainder of the season, or keep him within their first team squad.
King is not the only player that Morecambe have seen recalled by their parent club today, with talisman Michael Mellon returning to Burnley. Both are significant blows and could seriously alter the fate of the Shrimps’ season.
Morecambe currently sit in 17th place, yet are just six points off of the play-off positions. Their chances of a place in the top-seven have deteriorated in recent weeks with the club winless in their last four League Two matches.
The decision is one that has disappointed fans of Morecambe, and the club itself, with them sharing their opinion of King after his departure. The club statement on his recall read: “The Wales U21 international has made 24 appearances since arriving on loan in the summer and quickly became a key figure of the Shrimps’ squad, scoring twice and providing two assists.”
They added, “We’d like to place on record our thanks to Eli for his magnificent efforts during his short stint at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium and wish him all the very best in his career going forward.”
The young midfielder also shared his appreciation for his time at Morecambe on a Instagram post. King said: “Thank you @morecambefc. Top group of players and staff. Special fans. Absolutely loved my time. Wishing you all the best.” King leaves the club 17th in the league, comfortably above the relegation zone.
Writer’s View
Eli King has the potential to have a great career, and has been progressing well over recent seasons since first breaking in to the first team squad at Cardiff City. He could possibly benefit from further loan spells to ensure he remains to get regular game time that he isn’t certain to get with The Bluebirds at the moment.
The likely move is that the South Wales will look to loan him out to a League One side for him to get football at a higher standard for the remainder of the season, before then reassessing his placement within the squad over the summer.
