Bradford City recently underwent a significant change as the decision-makers opted to part ways with manager Mark Hughes, who had been in charge at Valley Parade for over a year and a half. Unfortunately, the experienced Welshman couldn’t lead the Bantams to success in the League Two play-offs last season, and a poor start to the 2023-24 season led to his dismissal.
Whoever takes over as Hughes’ replacement at the West Yorkshire club will need to address some squad issues, as City’s squad is quite large, with only 18 players allowed in a matchday squad.
This may necessitate loaning out some of the current City players. Therefore, as the January transfer window opens in 2024, let’s consider three individuals who could benefit from a temporary departure.
Oliver, who scored 31 goals for Gillingham over two years, returned to Bradford in the summer of 2022, signing a three-year deal. However, with Bradford already having a prominent target man in Andy Cook, it was challenging to see how both could fit into the lineup, unless they played alongside each other.
This scenario didn’t materialize, and with most of Oliver’s 30 League Two appearances coming off the bench, he only managed to score twice. Injuries have plagued the 31-year-old, who had knee and groin surgeries. As a result, he hasn’t featured in the 2023-24 season, and although he’s back in training, there’s no assurance of significant playing time. Therefore, it might be beneficial to allow him to get match experience elsewhere, with potential interest from League Two clubs.
Another player dealing with injury woes is Chapman, who, on his best days, is considered a top League Two winger. A former England youth international, Chapman played 37 times for the Bantams in his first year with the club, but he missed the play-off campaign due to hamstring surgery. The 25-year-old has yet to appear this season, and with the emergence of young talent Bobby Pointon on the wing, Chapman might struggle to find playing time upon his return. A loan to another League Two side could help him regain his form, either for a summer move or to secure a new deal for the 2024-25 season.
While Bobby Pointon has been making an impact for his hometown club in League Two, another young player, Youmbi, has been sidelined. The 19-year-old forward displayed promise in pre-season but has not made it into a League Two matchday squad and has been absent from Bradford’s EFL Trophy campaign. It may be an ideal opportunity for Youmbi to go on loan to a non-league club, possibly even before January, given the more flexible transfer rules in lower divisions. National League and National League North clubs should consider giving Youmbi a chance to showcase his abilities.3