Oliver to be moved on? Bradford City must sort these 3 issues before August 30th | OneFootball

Bradford City may look to move on Vadaine Oliver this summer and solve these three issues before August 30th, 2024.

Highlights

The summer transfer window is an interesting time for football managers across the EFL. This window has been no different for Bradford City manager Graham Alexander, who must make key decisions if the club is to succeed next season.

Undoubtedly, the aim is always for a club the size of Bradford City to look towards promotion whenever they’re languishing in the bottom division. Alexander will be well aware of this expectation upon his shoulders.

With June out of the way, July is set to be a busy period for the Bantams and the management team at the club. Here are three issues the club should look to resolve before the end of August 2024.

Bradford City are still short on left-wing back options at the club

Although the club recently announced the signing of Tyreik Wright, a familiar player who played 32 games with six goals in two different loan spells with the club, a left wing-back should still be a priority this window.

It is believed that Wright will be used at left wing-back should Alexander stick with the same 5-3-2 formation from last season. With Lewis Richards the only option for this position, fans would ideally like a natural left-footed wing-back brought into the club to fill this key position.

If England's performance at UEFA Euro 2024 is anything to go by, it showcases the need for players suited to their natural positions. Not having a proper first-team player for this left-sided position could hurt the club over the season.

It was heavily rumoured that Charlie Wyke could be returning to the Bantams after previously scoring 23 goals in 62 games at the club. But now, the striker has decided to rejoin promotion rivals Carlise United for next season.

Bradford's squad is currently heavily stacked with strikers. Unfortunately, the club has had to rely heavily on Andy Cook over the past couple of years, with only midfielder Jamie Walker really adding more goals consistently.

Although fans are excited to see what goals Calum Kavanagh and Jake Young can add to the team next season, Alexander may look to reinforce his striking options and shake things up, with Vadaine Oliver and Tyler Smith likely to make way if that happens.

Additionally, young goalscorer Harry Ibbitson could be loaned out, making space for another striker to come into the club before the end of August.

Bradford City may look to sell out of favour striker Vadaine Oliver

As mentioned, if Alexander wants to bring in new faces in the striking department, at least one player will need to be moved on.

The most likely name to leave the club this window is Oliver, who has struggled for significant game time since joining the club in 2022 from Gillingham FC.

After spending last season on loan at EFL League One club Stevenage FC, the tall striker seemingly didn’t do enough during this spell and is somewhat similar to his time at Valley Parade, and it’s maybe the best time for all parties if Oliver finds a new club.

There could still be a player in there just looking for the right club, as he has previously shown his goalscoring ability during spells at Gillingham and York City. So, there are likely various suitors for his signature at this level, which could see him back to his best.

Between now and August 30th, Alexander will have to make some big calls on club decisions. Ultimately, bringing into the club a natural left-wing back and possibly shaking up striking options could be the key to success next season.