Bradford City will be hoping a fruitful summer transfer window sets them up for a push for promotion from League Two next season.
Bradford City endured some bright spells last season and had some great runs of form under Graham Alexander. Ultimately though, they weren’t able to make a telling impact on the play-off fight.
With a strong summer window though, Alexander will be hoping to lift the Bantams further up the League Two table. Promotion is sure to be the aim, but plenty of work has to be done before that can become a more realistic prospect.
One area sure to be of focus is the midfield. Antoni Sarcevic has joined, but Kevin McDonald, Richie Smallwood and Alex Pattison are the only other options, so even before any potential exits, another additioon is poised to be on the radar.
And, Bradford City interests should be piqued by the situation of Jordan Rossiter.
On the move
Former Liverpool prospect Rossiter is currently on the books at Bristol Rovers, though he might not be for much longer having turned down the offer of a new deal with the Gas.
He only returned to fitness towards the tail end of last season after a long spell out. As his contract expires at the end of this month though, Rossiter has admirers in League One and League Two, and Bradford City would be wise to be among them.
The 27-year-old has proven himself as a solid performer at League One level, so a stay there may be his priority. However, a club of the Bantams’ size could tempt Rossiter down a league.
It would be a statement signing for City and it wouldn’t cost a penny given his contract situation. He’s a natural defensive midfielder so could be considered as a more long-term option over experienced veterans Smallwood and McDonald.
Something to consider
Rossiter could be a fantastic signing for someone like Bradford City at League Two level but his recent knee problems will come into the thinking of whoever moves to snap him up this summer.
He spent 16 months out with a knee injury suffered in December 2022. Initially, it was only meant to keep the midfielder out for a matter of weeks, but an infection after surgery had him detoured to a long road of recovery, only returning towards the tail end of last season.
Rossiter returned to the team successfully at Bristol Rovers and will be determined to kick on again from here. It means whoever brings him in will be getting a player hungry to remind everyone just what he can offer after so long sidelined.
Time will tell just where he heads as an exit beckons, but Valley Parade could be a great destination for Rossiter and the midfielder would be a fine addition for Bradford City too.