Cardiff City have landed their number one transfer target by signing £5.5m German striker Robert Glatzel from Bundesliga Two club Heidenheim.
Munich-born Glatzel, aged 25, is a 6ft 4ins hitman who says: “I can’t wait to get to work, get to know the fans and start the season.
“I’m a tall player and heading is a good attribute for me, but I can also play with the ball.
“I have good technique for my height, so will hopefully show the fans that and fit in well here.
“As a striker you always want to score goals to help the team. Of course, I want to score as many goals as possible.”
Glatzel, named Robert-Nesta in honour of reggae star Bob Nesta Marley, has signed a three-year contract with the Bluebirds and could make his debut in the Championship match against Wigan Athletic away on Saturday.
He is Warnock’s sixth signing of the summer following goalkeeper Joe Day, Gavin Whyte, Aden Flint, Curtis Nelson and Will Vaulks. The Bluebirds are keen to complete more business before the transfer window closes on Friday with AFC Bournemouth’s Harry Arter a target.
Arter played for City on loan in the Premier League last season and may return.
It is likely City fringe players will be moved on, while goalkeeper Neil Etheridge looked certain to stay. Aston Villa were keen on Etheridge, but they have now agreed an £8m deal for Burnley’s former Cardiff goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Warnock is delighted that Glatzel has completed his move to South Wales, saying: “I’m excited to capture Robert’s signature.
“He’s a player we’ve been chasing for over five weeks. It’s been hard work to get it over the line, but I’m delighted to welcome him.
“He’ll do a good job for us, the type of striker I’ve been looking for to lead the line and he’s looking forward to the challenge.”
Glatzel scored 17 goals in 29 league and cup appearances for FC Heidenheim last season, including a hat-trick away at Bayern München in the German Cup.
Ken Choo told cardiffcityfc.co.uk: “I can’t praise our chairman, Mehmet Dalman, enough for making this deal possible.
“He has worked tirelessly to get our number one striking target. I’d also like to thank Tan Sri Vincent Tan for his patience and support.”