Maliq Cadogan | I can't wait to get going and help the team

Maliq Cadogan is eager to get his Swansea City career under way following his arrival in SA1 earlier this month.

The midfielder has signed a two-year deal through to June 2025 and will link up with Anthony Wright's under-21 squad as they prepare to kick off their pre-season this weekend.

Born in London, Cadogan experienced life in Swansea on trial in May alongside fellow new arrival, Glory Nzingo.

“It’s been a long time coming, I’ve been interested in coming to Swansea for a while, so I’m glad it’s all come together," he said.

“When I came here on trial I was welcomed to the club, to the city and to everyone here. Everyone took me in well when I arrived, it was a no-brainer to come to this club.  

“The facilities are amazing here, and I know Swansea is a great club and I hope to be a part of this new journey." 

The 19-year-old had been at Crystal Palace from under-14 level, and made appearances for the London team in the EFL Trophy and the Premier League Cup.

He was part of the Eagles' under-15 EFL Floodlit Cup winning side in 2019, as well as the under-18s' Premier League South title-winning campaign during the 2020-21 season.

Cadogan links up with former Eagles' team-mate Richard Faakye - who has just signed his first professional contract - after the pair spent their youth together in London.

“I know Richard quite well as we were at Palace together. But I’ve got to know everyone else, and they’re all amazing lads," Cadogan added.

“I was at Crystal Palace for six years. It was close to home as I’m from south London. Again, they took me in well and I had a great time there, but now I’m ready for a new challenge. 

“It’s the first time I’ve moved away from home, so that is another challenge in itself but it’s only going to benefit me and my career."

With pre-season in full swing, the versatile, creative playmaker is eyeing up the opportunity to make his mark in south Wales.

The youngster is hopeful of putting on a Swansea City shirt for the first time this weekend as the under-21s face Briton Ferry Llansawel in their first friendly of the campaign.

“Pre-season has been good so far, a lot of running and intensity but that’s what’s most important," he explained.

“I can’t wait to play in a Swansea shirt for the first time, the season can’t come quick enough. I can't wait to contribute to the team, and to see where we can take ourselves this season.

“I’m only 19-years-old, and my aspiration is to play regular football.

“Hopefully, my journey to the first team will come at the right time. Now, I just need to set out what I need to do and act on that."