Eastleigh have landed a major coup with the signing of ex-Cardiff City playmaker Kieron Evans.
The National League side fended off interest from EFL clubs to secure the talented midfielder ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Spitfires Swoop for Welsh Talent
Evans, 23, will officially join Eastleigh on July 1 once his contract with Cardiff expires, marking a key addition for the Hampshire outfit. His arrival signals Eastleigh’s ambition to mount a serious promotion push after a mid-table finish last season.
A product of Cardiff’s academy system, Evans made his senior debut in September 2021 against Nottingham Forest. He went on to play 12 games for the Bluebirds and enjoyed a string of loan spells across the UK football pyramid, building valuable experience at various levels.
His most productive spell came with Torquay United during the 2022/23 National League campaign, where he registered 36 appearances and two goals. The following season, he featured for Gateshead and helped guide them to FA Trophy success at Wembley, contributing three goals and a string of impressive performances in the second half of the season.
Last term, Evans joined Newport County on loan and featured 34 times in League Two, scoring in the EFL Trophy against Cheltenham Town in September. Despite signing a new deal with Cardiff in 2024, the club opted to release him at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, paving the way for Eastleigh to make their move.
Evans has also represented Wales at youth level, including the Under-20s under current Luton Town manager Rob Edwards. Across his senior career, he has amassed over 100 appearances, including stints in the Championship, National League, League Two, and the Northern Irish Premiership with Linfield.
The move is still subject to EFL and National League approval as well as international clearance, but the Spitfires are confident all paperwork will be finalised in time for their upcoming pre-season fixtures, including a scheduled clash with Southampton.
Writer’s View
Eastleigh’s capture of Kieron Evans should excite fans hoping for a more competitive campaign in 2025/26. Not only does it represent a statement of intent from a club keen to rise up the National League table, but it also shows their ability to attract players with genuine EFL pedigree.
Evans brings creativity, technical ability and big-game experience, having played under pressure at Wembley and in multiple senior environments. If he can hit the ground running, he could prove to be one of the most influential midfielders in the division this season.
