Bradford City have taken a surprise step into the transfer window by welcoming former Everton defender Reece Welch to pre-season training at Valley Parade. The 22-year-old, who left the Toffees this summer after 16 years on Merseyside, has been spotted alongside Antoni Sarcevic’s squad in a picture posted to Instagram on Saturday. With Bradford City sitting 14th in League One with zero points and zero goals scored or conceded so far this season, the Bantams could land a ready-made backup for the injury-prone Matt Pennington on the cheap.

What’s the latest on Reece Welch’s move?

Welch, 22, is out of contract after 16 years at Everton and has spent most of the last two seasons in the club’s under-21 setup. He made just four senior appearances for the Toffees and had brief loan spells at Forest Green Rovers and Belgian side Deinze before his last temporary switch in 2024. Despite interest from several League One clubs, a temporary move never materialised, leaving him a free agent this summer.

Sheffield Wednesday had been credited with interest in Welch by transfer pundit Pete O’Rourke, alongside Danish outfit Horsens. But the latest twist sees Bradford City enter the frame after Antoni Sarcevic shared a training-group photo featuring Welch on his Instagram story. The image shows the ex-Everton man on the far right of a group of Bradford players following a pre-season session.

Why could Bradford City benefit from signing Welch?

Bradford City fans have already weighed in on social media, with many seeing Welch as an ideal stopgap. One supporter pointed out that he could provide solid backup for Pennington, who has battled recurring injuries. Another argued that Welch’s potential at a low wage makes him a smart signing for a club still settling into life in League One.

Welch’s versatility across defence could shore up Bradford’s backline, which has conceded zero goals so far this season but sits just 14th in the table. A reliable option like Welch would ease pressure on Pennington and give manager Mark Hughes extra flexibility as the squad adapts to the rigours of League One.

What happens next for Welch and Bradford City?

Bradford City took on FC Halifax Town in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, winning 6-1 while fielding four trialists. It’s unclear whether one of those trialists was Welch, but his presence in training suggests a deal could be close.

With the transfer window still open and Bradford City’s squad still taking shape, Welch’s arrival would fit a pattern of bringing in young, hungry talent on sensible wages. The Bantams, currently 14th in League One with zero points and zero goals scored or conceded, need squad depth as they push for consistency in a competitive third tier.