Bradford City have agreed terms with Reece Welch for a free transfer, with the 22-year-old centre-back set to join the League One club after his release from Everton. The move follows a successful trial spell, with Welch now poised to return to English football’s fourth tier.
What happened with Reece Welch?
Reece Welch’s Everton contract expired at the end of last season, ending a 15-year association with the Merseyside club. The defender, who captained Everton’s youth teams and earned England U20 caps, made just three senior appearances for the Toffees. Loan spells at Forest Green Rovers and Belgian side Deinze failed to secure a first-team breakthrough.
Why does this matter for Bradford City?
Welch’s arrival adds depth to Bradford City’s defensive options as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign. The Bantams finished 4th in League One last season with 77 points (22W-11D-13L), scoring 58 goals and conceding 51 (+7 goal difference), but trailed leaders Lincoln by 26 points. Regular first-team football is now Welch’s priority after struggling for opportunities at Everton.
What comes next for Welch?
The centre-back, linked earlier this summer with Sheffield Wednesday, Horsens, and Freiburg, will aim to establish himself in Bradford City’s starting XI. His leadership at youth level and versatility could prove valuable as the club targets promotion from League One, where they ended the 2025 season with recent form reading WDDDL.
