---
title: "Rio Cardines Transfer News: Palace Prospect Shines on Loan at Bristol City"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/09/23/rio-cardines-transfer-news-crystal-palace-bristol-city-loan/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Naz Yusuf"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2026-09-23T15:30:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-23T15:30:00Z"
---

# Rio Cardines Transfer News: Palace Prospect Shines on Loan at Bristol City

Crystal Palace Under 21’s loanee [Rio Cardines](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/teams/first-team/590014/rio-cardines/)continues to turn heads in the Championship after delivering another decisive moment for Bristol City.

The teenage wing-back registered his sixth assist in seven league matches on Tuesday night, setting up Dom Ballard’s first-half winner as [Michael Skubala’s side secured a 1-0 victory over Watford at Ashton Gate.](https://share.google/0CXVXSAtBiciJ9zTo)

Consequently, the Trinidad and Tobago international has rapidly established himself as one of the most productive wide players in the second tier. His latest contribution a delicate 31st-minute chip into the box found Ballard, who glanced a brilliant header past the Watford goalkeeper to propel Bristol City back into the playoff places.

### Skubala Hails Palace Prospect’s Impact

Bristol City manager Michael Skubala made seven changes following consecutive defeats, yet he kept Cardines in the starting XI. After the final whistle, the [Robins boss reserved special praise](https://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/sport/national/26564320.michael-skubala-highlights-rio-cardines-role-bristol-city-defeat-watford/) for the Palace academy product’s exceptional delivery from wide areas.

> **“Rio Cardines is still learning the game tactically, but his record of assists this season is exceptional,” Skubala said. “We knew we were signing a very talented young player, but his dead ball striking is so impressive. We just have to look after him and hope he gets back from the international break in one piece. That goes for all the players involved for their respective countries.”**
>
> Furthermore, Skubala highlighted how his squad responded following recent setbacks:
>
> > **“We showed really good intensity in the first half and created a lot of chances. Then in the second we had more opportunities in transition to extend our lead. Seven changes showed the strength of our squad. I wanted to freshen things up at a busy period and the players brought in responded really well.**
> >
> > **“It was a typical Dom Ballard goal from what I have seen of him in recent years. I thought he was really good tonight, particularly in the first half. The players not involved in internationals will now have a short break, but it’s important we keep working hard to build on what we have done so far.**
> >
> > **“At the start of the season, if anyone had offered me fifth place at this stage I would have bitten their hands off because it is a new group of players and there will be more to come from them as we develop.”**

### Bright Future for Palace’s Academy Jewel

For Palace supporters monitoring loan developments across the Football League, Cardines’ trajectory provides immense encouragement. His ability to consistently unlock Championship defences suggests that his development path at Selhurst Park remains firmly on track.