Newly promoted EFL League One side Bradford City have started their summer transfer window with intent recruiting seemingly focusing on experience. They have signed defenders Curtis Tilt and Joe Wright alongside former third tier winner Max Power.
Why Do Bradford City Need More Strikers?
For several seasons, the Bantams have aimed to sign strikers that could be consistent, powerful and a constant threat when inside the box. They have achieved this in ways through the signings of Andy Cook in 2021 – one of the EFL’s most prolific strikers – and Calum Kavanagh, who has made a positive impact since his arrival in last January’s transfer window.
However, alternative striker signings have not been able to reach the levels in which Cook achieved which led to the Bantams being reliant on other areas of the team for goals. This was especially seen during the second half of the 2024-25 season, a period in which Cook was injured.
This can be seen through the performances of Michael Mellon, Tommy Leigh and Callum Kavanagh who played two, 28 and 38 matches respectively during the 2024-25 season.
However, the trio were only able to score 12 goals between them in these matches. This is the same number of goals as Andy Cook scored in the 22 matches he played in during the first half of the 2024-25 campaign.
Here, the West Yorkshire side had to rely on midfielders such as Antoni Sarcevic and Alex Pattison alongside Bradford born midfielder Bobby Pointon to boost goal numbers within the side and earn the Bantams crucial points in their pursuit of promotion during the campaign.
Potential Bradford City Transfer Targets – Strikers
Ryan One
We start our list with current Sheffield United striker Ryan One who joined the Blades in 2023 and has made 15 appearances since.
Scoring once last season in the EFL Championship and making 12 appearances, One has the ability to perform at a high level, However, at just 18, the former Hamilton Academical man arguably still holds an immense amount of potential which could be explored if he were to join Bradford City, either on a permanent deal or a more likely loan deal.
Furthermore, the Scottish youth international would be joining an experienced attacking base that includes names such as Andy Cook and Antoni Sarcevic. These players could further help to develop One’s skills and make him a better striker than he was when he joined.
Editors Note: This article was written prior to Yengi signing for Aberdeen but was delayed due to editing reasons.
Kusini Yengi
The second striker on our list is recently released Australian striker Kusini Yengi who played in the English second tier during the 2024-25 campaign.
Yengi also appeared in our list of players Bradford City should pursue this summer and has proved himself in the third tier before with Portsmouth during their title winning 2023-24 campaign where he was able to score nine goals in 26 games.
At 26, the former Australian international holds experience across several countries in his times both in Australia and England. Furthermore, he holds the ability to deliver in EFL League One although still arguably has the potential to improve even further and become an even better striker than he is right now.
Samson Tovide
The third striker on our list is current Colchester man Samson Tovide who has impressed in the U’s side this season scoring on seven occasions whilst also assisting five times.
The 21 year old can play in a number of positions including on both wings but is generally used as a striker. Tovide has many qualities although his most important quality can be seen to be his ability in shooting situations. With 47 shots during the 2024-25 season and with 21 of these being on target, the Colchester youth academy graduate is a constant threat and is one to look out for in every game.
However, with his performances coming in EFL League Two last season, could Tovide make the step up into a more competitive, more intense and more difficult division or would he fail to replicate the levels that he has displayed this season?
Emre Tezgel
Emre Tezgel is our fourth option on this list with the Stoke forward now looking likely to stay with the Potters as he nears closer to a two year deal.
With this likely to occur, the only realistic way that Tezgel could be seen at Valley Parade is on a loan basis perhaps for a full season. A loan for Tezgel to EFL League One would allow him to further develop his skills and with two starts in the EFL Championship last season, the third tier could be a perfect opportunity for the 19-year-old to gain more playing time.
A move to Bradford City would also allow Tezgel to play in front of big crowds and would allow him to build on the skills he developed whilst at MK Dons last year. However, with Leeds United competing for the striker, this option is arguably the most ambitious of all the options on this list.
Sam Cosgrove
The final option on our list falls in the form of English striker Sam Cosgrove who was released from Barnsley following the 2024-25 season.
At 28 years old, the striker is the oldest of all the options on our list although holds the most experience with spells at Barnsley, Plymouth Argyle and Aberdeen all coming in a long list of previous clubs.
During the 2024-25 EFL League One season, the former Wigan man failed to hit the levels of previous seasons scoring just once in the 26 matches he played. With a connection to David Sharpe – who was Wigan’s chairman during Cosgrove’s spell with the Latics -, Bradford City could represent an opportunity to grow his confidence and regain the goal scoring form that he has been able to hit in the past.
With the striker out of contract, this deal would also involve no fee which is how the Bantams have made their last three signings.