Bradford City's transfer window closed with a new signing but opened fresh questions about their defensive solidity after a home defeat. The Bantams currently sit 11th in League One with six points from four games, scoring and conceding four goals each.
Bradford City completed their 12th summer signing by bringing in Corey O'Keeffe from Barnsley on deadline day. The versatile wing-back joined for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract. O'Keeffe, 28, brings extensive League One experience from his time with Barnsley and other clubs.
Manager Graham Alexander said that O'Keeffe is an attack-minded player who can operate on either side of defence. The player himself said he was delighted to join what he called a massive club. This addition follows the earlier loan signing of QPR midfielder Kieran Morgan.
A 2-1 home loss to Cambridge United on Tuesday has sparked analysis of Bradford City's back line. Jason McKeown pointed to worrying signs about the team's resilience and character in the wake of their playoff defeat last season. Individual errors contributed to both Cambridge goals during the match.
The defeat means City have already lost a league game at Valley Parade this season. In the previous two full campaigns, they lost just five home league matches combined. Alexander was critical of his team's defensive display.
Centre-back Joe Wright has completed a permanent transfer to Scottish Premiership side Dundee. The 31-year-old's move was confirmed after he found himself out of favour early this season. Wright made 35 appearances for City last term, scoring three goals, but had not featured in 2026-27.
His departure follows exits for other defenders like Curtis Tilt and Ciaran Kelly this summer. Wright now links up with former Bantam Brad Halliday at Dens Park. He had joined City from Kilmarnock just last year after being named that club's player of the season.
Former Lincoln City and Shrewsbury Town midfielder Sam Clucas is undergoing an extended trial with the club. The 35-year-old free agent has been training with the Bantams after leaving Shrewsbury by mutual consent. Manager Graham Alexander told reporters they are keeping their options open in the recruitment market.
Alexander explained the club's match schedule had limited their evaluation time, prompting the decision to extend the trial period. Clucas is available without a transfer fee after cancelling his contract with the Shrews. His potential signing would be separate from the 12 arrivals already confirmed this window.
The immediate focus shifts to Saturday's home fixture against Mansfield Town. City will aim to bounce back from the Cambridge defeat against a Stags side sitting 12th in the table. The match at Valley Parade on September 5th presents an opportunity to improve a poor recent home record against Mansfield.
Graham Alexander's side are four points behind league leaders Huddersfield Town. Key individual battles in the upcoming match could include Jake Beesley against Mansfield defender Ryan Sweeney. Fans can find the full schedule for this and all future matches on our dedicated fixtures page.
