Lewes
Following his release from Bromley, he signed for Lewes in the summer of 2021. [4] He scored on his debut on 14 August, in a 3–1 defeat to Cray Wanderers. [11] After 7 goals and becoming an important part of the team, in November he extended his contract until the end of the 2022–23 season, [12] with manager Tony Russell saying that "[Tanner] is probably the best young player I have ever worked with. And I have worked with some good ones." [13] Amidst interest from multiple clubs, [14] it was reported that Lewes had accepted a £100,000 bid from Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in January 2022. [15] However, Tanner turned down the transfer after failing to agree personal terms, [16] leading to him receiving death threats from Tottenham fans. [2] He finished the season with 13 goals in 35 games, and won both Lewes Supporter's Player of the Season and Goal of the Season for a goal against Margate. [11] [17]
Cardiff
In May 2022 it was announced that Tanner would sign for Cardiff City on 10 June on a two-year contract, following a successful trial, for a reported fee of around £50,000. [4] [18] [19] He made his Cardiff debut in the EFL Cup on 9 August, in a 3–0 defeat to Portsmouth. [20]
On 9 January 2023, Tanner joined National League club York City on loan for the remainder of the season. [21] He made his York debut on 24 January in a 2–0 defeat to Oldham Athletic. [3] He lost his place in the team following the sacking of manager David Webb. [22] He finished his loan, having failed to score in 6 appearances. [3] He later said, "that loan spell was tough mentally and being on my own up there, not having much contact with family." [23]
After impressing recently hired Cardiff manager Erol Bulut in pre-season, [22] he made his league debut for Cardiff on 12 August 2023, in a 2–1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers. [24] He scored his first professional goal on 16 September 2023 in Cardiff's 2–0 home victory against South Wales derby rivals Swansea City. [25] He finished the season with 40 appearances and 2 goals, although primarily appeared as a substitute with only 9 league starts. [26] [27]
In the next season, Bulut told Tanner he would have to lose weight to gain a starting spot. [28] Tanner suffered a cut on his leg after an advertising board fell on him on 25 August in a 1–1 draw against Swansea. [29] He signed a three-year contract extension on 5 October 2024. [30] Under new manager Omer Riza, Tanner became an important part of the Cardiff team. [31] After missing more than two months with a knee injury, he made his return on 29 March 2025 in a 1–1 against Sheffield Wednesday. [32] [33] He finished the season with 31 appearances and 2 goals as the Bluebirds were relegated to League One. [34]
On 5 August 2025, Tanner signed a new four-year deal with the club. [35] Two weeks later however, he collided with an advertising board during a 1–0 victory over AFC Wimbledon, suffering damaged ankle ligaments and a small fracture in his fibula, expected to rule him out for four months. [36]
