Five Strikers Bradford City Should Consider Signing This Summer
The Bantams Have Already Made Four Summer Additions
Bradford City, newly promoted to EFL League One, have begun their summer transfer activity with clear ambition, focusing primarily on experience. Their early signings include defenders Curtis Tilt and Joe Wright, along with Max Power, a seasoned campaigner and former League One champion.
Why Are More Strikers Needed at Bradford City?
For several seasons, the Bantams have been on the hunt for strikers who combine consistency, strength, and danger in the penalty area. They’ve seen some success—particularly with the acquisition of Andy Cook in 2021, a standout among the EFL’s most lethal forwards, and Calum Kavanagh, who made a solid impression after joining in the January 2025 window.
Despite these positives, the club has struggled to replicate Cook’s impact with other attacking signings. This lack of depth became especially evident in the latter part of the 2024–25 campaign when Cook was sidelined due to injury.
Players such as Michael Mellon, Tommy Leigh, and Callum Kavanagh stepped in during that period, featuring in 2, 28, and 38 matches respectively. However, the trio managed only 12 goals between them. In contrast, Cook alone had already found the net 12 times in just 22 games in the season’s first half.
As a result, the team had to rely heavily on midfielders like Antoni Sarcevic, Alex Pattison, and local talent Bobby Pointon to provide goals—an imbalance that could hinder progress in League One. With that in mind, bolstering the attacking line is a clear priority.
Five Striker Targets for Bradford City
1. Ryan One (Sheffield United)
The 18-year-old Scottish forward joined Sheffield United in 2023 and has since made 15 appearances, including 12 last season in the Championship, scoring once. Despite his limited goal tally, One has shown promise and would benefit from a loan move to gain regular minutes. A stint at Bradford could offer a valuable developmental opportunity, especially with experienced teammates like Andy Cook and Antoni Sarcevic to guide him.
2. Kusini Yengi (Free Agent)
Australian striker Kusini Yengi is available following his release after a season in the Championship. Known for his contributions to Portsmouth’s League One title-winning 2023–24 campaign, where he notched 9 goals in 26 appearances, Yengi offers power, pace, and proven third-tier experience. At 26, he has played in both Australia and England and still has room to grow. He remains a compelling option for a team needing both goals and versatility in attack.
3. Samson Tovide (Colchester United)
Currently with Colchester, Tovide enjoyed a breakout year, scoring 7 goals and assisting 5 more. The 21-year-old, a product of Colchester’s youth setup, is primarily a striker but can also play on either wing. His finishing ability is notable—47 shots with 21 on target last season. However, having played in League Two, the question remains whether he can successfully transition to the more demanding League One.
4. Emre Tezgel (Stoke City)
Highly-rated teenager Emre Tezgel appears close to agreeing a two-year deal with Stoke, meaning a permanent move is unlikely. However, a loan could be mutually beneficial. With just two Championship starts to his name, Tezgel would benefit from regular League One action. Bradford could provide the ideal platform for the 19-year-old to grow, especially given his successful loan at MK Dons. The main challenge? Competition from bigger clubs like Leeds United may complicate any potential deal.
5. Sam Cosgrove (Free Agent)
The oldest player on this list, 28-year-old Sam Cosgrove brings significant experience, having featured for Barnsley, Plymouth Argyle, and Aberdeen, among others. His most recent campaign with Barnsley was underwhelming—just one goal in 26 appearances—but he may benefit from a fresh start. A previous link with Bradford CEO David Sharpe (from their shared time at Wigan) could ease the path to a deal. Being out of contract, Cosgrove would also be a free signing, aligning with the club’s current strategy.
