[themaclad]

Callum Johnson has signed for Bradford City after leaving Mansfield Town.

The defender, 27, was released by the Stags at the end of his contract, having helped them win promotion from League Two last season.

He has signed "an initial one-year deal", say Bradford, external, who have now recruited three promotion-winning players since the end of the campaign.

The Bantams recently signed defender Neill Byrne and midfielder Antoni Sarcevic from Stockport County, who also went up from League Two.

Johnson, who began his career at Middlesbrough, made 22 appearances for Mansfield last season and 35 in total during an 18-month spell at the One Call Stadium.

He previously played for Accrington Stanley - where he also won promotion from League Two - as well as Portsmouth and Scottish club Ross County.

"I have played for big clubs before and been successful," Johnson said.

"I have been promoted from League Two twice in my only two full seasons at this level, so am aiming to add a third here."

[themaclad]

Bradford City have confirmed the signing of defender Aden Baldwin on an initial two-year deal.

Baldwin, 26, arrives at the University of Bradford Stadium after the expiry of his deal at Notts County.

He joined the Magpies in 2022 after spells with Forest Green Rovers, Bristol City and MK Dons, and made 79 appearances.

"I am delighted to get the deal done," Baldwin told Bradford's club website., external "I have had a few really good conversations with the gaffer (Graham Alexander), and am buzzing to be here.

"I like to play in front of big crowds and lots of fans, so hopefully that allows me to play my best game.

"I missed the opportunity to play here last year, so am really looking forward to doing it for this club."

Baldwin added that signing so early in the summer means he will have time to adjust before the new campaign kicks off.

"I am happy to get the deal sorted early on as I can now settle in with the team and get to grips with the environment," he said.

"Hopefully, the fans can turn out in their numbers, and we can give them a successful season."

[themaclad]

Bradford City full-back Brad Halliday has signed a new two-year deal.

The 28-year-old has scored five goals in 88 league appearances since joining from Fleetwood in July 2022.

“It’s great that Brad has committed himself to us for another two years," boss Graham Alexander told the club website., external

"He’s been outstanding in his consistency, performing at a great level and maintaining standards that set the bar for the squad."

[themaclad]

Bradford City have signed Plymouth winger Tyreik Wright for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal.

The 22-year-old spent time on loan with the Bantams in 2022-23 and 2023-24 and has scored six goals in 29 league appearances for the League Two side.

"I feel at home here with the lads and the staff, and I have always loved the fans here," he told the club website., external

"I want to feel comfortable in the environment, and there is no better place for me than here."

[themaclad]

Bradford City have confirmed forward Bobby Pointon has signed a new two-year contract, with the option of a further year.

Pointon, 20, an academy graduate, has been rewarded for scoring four goals in 32 games during his breakout season.

A boyhood supporter of the club, Pointon said he was happy to stay at the University of Bradford Stadium and develop under manager Graeme Alexander.

“I am buzzing to sign and to be here for another two years," he said.

"I love this club and I love being here, so it was a no-brainer for me.

“I look back at the goals I scored and the good moments from last season, and I am proud of myself. Hopefully, there is more to come this season.

“I like working hard in training and in games, and I believe the way the gaffer plays suits me a lot, so I like working with him.

“Getting promoted this season is the main aim. I want to go to another level after this first year, and continue to help and better the team.

“I am committed to this club, and I will stay for how ever long I am wanted here. Hopefully, we can go up the ranks in these next few years, and hopefully I will have contributed towards that.”

Bradford finished ninth in League Two last season, a point off the play-offs.

[themaclad]

Bradford City have signed Barnsley defender Jack Shepherd on a season-long loan deal.

The 23-year-old, who joined the Tykes from non-league Pontefract Collieries last summer, has also penned a two-year contract extension at Oakwell.

Shepherd, who ended last season on loan at Cheltenham, could make his Bantams debut in the trip to MK Dons on Saturday, 10 August.

“Jack has all the attributes we like in our defenders, and he is hungry for the challenge ahead," boss Graham Alexander told the club website.

[themaclad]

Bradford City have brought in Fulham striker Olly Sanderson on a season-long loan.

Sanderson links up with Graham Alexander's squad having signed a new two-year contract with the Premier League Cottagers last week.

The 20-year-old spent last term on loan at Oxford City in the National League and then Sutton United in League Two where he scored 13 goals in 43 matches across those two spells.

"Olly is highly rated at Fulham, and will bring energy, enthusiasm and quality in front of goal," Alexander told the Bradford website, external.

The Bantams started their League Two campaign with a 2-1 victory away to Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday.

[themaclad]

Wigan Athletic midfielder Joe Adams has signed for Bradford City on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Latics after signing professional terms with them two years ago but scored twice in 21 appearances on loan at Morecambe last season.

Born in Guernsey, Adams joined National League club Eastleigh's under-16 side in 2021 and went on loan to Southern League outfit Sholing in the 2021-22 season.

Bantams manager Graham Alexander told the club website, external: “We have had to be patient waiting for Joe to join us, so we are very happy he is now here. His ability on the ball and running power will be a great addition to us."

[themaclad]

League Two side Bradford City have signed defender Jay Benn on a season-long loan from Lincoln City.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at National League side Solihull Moors, appearing in both the quarter-final and semi-final of the play-offs.

"I am buzzing. It is late at night and quite dark out here at Valley Parade, but I am glad to get it over the line," Benn said, external.

He joins Cheick Diabate, from League One club Exeter City, who has been signed on a season-long loan with a break clause in January.

Grecians manager Gary Caldwell said the 22-year-old, who has made 76 appearances and scored three times for his parent club, asked for a loan move in pursuit of more playing time.

"We felt it's a good opportunity for him," explained Caldwell.

“I have had conversations with Cheick and he wants to play more regular football. He did brilliantly in spells but has had injuries which have kept him out of the team.

“We want to develop his career and get him in as a regular Exeter City player. But at the moment, competition in that position is very strong."

Exeter triggered a clause in Diabate's contract in April to extend his contract until the end of this season


Diabate played 18 times as Exeter won promotion from the fourth tier in the 2021-22 season.

He made 32 appearances in all competitions last season but has been an unused substitute in each of Exeter's first three league matches in 2024-25.

The centre-back said Bantams manager Graham Alexander's "clear path for the club" had influenced his decision to move to Valley Parade.

“He wants to get promoted and I want to be a part of it," he added. "I am here to work hard, give my all for this club and contribute positively.”

Bradford have taken seven points from their first nine and visit Grimsby Town on Saturday.

[themaclad]

Bradford City have signed former Preston North End and Carlisle United defender Paul Huntington on a short-term deal which runs until January 2025.

The 37-year-old has been without a club since leaving Carlisle in the summer following their relegation from League One.

Prior to last season, Huntington has made over 300 appearances for Preston and also captained Carlisle to victory against Stockport County in the 2023 League Two play-off final at Wembley.

“Obviously I am very pleased to be here. It’s what I’ve been working towards over the summer. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity and I’m grateful for it," he told the club website, external.