Cardiff Coach Cools Talk of Nyakuhwa Loan Exit
Warriors-eligible winger Tanatswa Nyakuhwa has been tipped for a bright future after Cardiff City coach Brian Barry-Murphy dismissed growing speculation linking the teenager with a move away from the club.
The 19-year-old, who remains eligible for Zimbabwe despite representing Wales at youth level, was this week linked with Belgian giants Anderlecht. Reports suggested the Brussels club were keen to secure him on loan before Monday’s transfer deadline, with Cardiff said to be weighing up the possibility of sending him out for regular first-team football.
But Barry-Murphy has underlined that Nyakuhwa is part of his plans for the season.
“He is definitely in our plans,” the coach told WalesOnline. “The conversation with Tanatswa was that he did really well in pre-season, and he was disappointed not to make the squad when Ollie Tanner, Chris Willock, Cian Ashford, and Isaak Davies were essentially the wide players.
“Things have changed a bit because Ollie is injured, so it’s important to see what Tanatswa can do now. We really value him as a player. If we see him getting significant game time, we will definitely keep him here. If Isaak is making good progress and we can’t justify him staying, then he will go on loan. I’m not sure yet.”
Nyakuhwa signed his first professional contract with Cardiff in July last year and made his senior debut in the Championship against Norwich City on the final day of the 2023/24 season. His impressive progress through pre-season has raised expectations, making him one of the club’s most highly rated academy graduates.
Anderlecht, Belgium’s most decorated club, have reignited their interest in the winger after monitoring him earlier this year. While a loan within England’s lower leagues remains a possibility, Cardiff are determined to keep hold of him and rule out a permanent exit.
For Zimbabwe, Nyakuhwa’s rise could not be more timely. The Warriors are reshaping their squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and the winger’s pace, direct dribbling, and ability to play across the front line make him a prime candidate for a future call-up.
Barry-Murphy’s firm stance means Nyakuhwa will now have the opportunity to stake his claim at Cardiff, while Zimbabwe watch closely as one of their most promising prospects continues his ascent.