2 bargain free transfers Bradford City could consider ft Jamal Blackman | OneFootball

Bradford City should consider these two current free agents to solve its squad problem should injuries affect key players in key positions.

The season is finally here, and the opening day provided lots of entertainment for supporters up and down the divisions over the previous weekend. This has given fans, including fans of Bradford City, a lot to speak about regarding their squad depth following the season opener.

Despite an impressive 2-1 win against MK Dons at Stadium MK, the club still feels there is much more transfer business to do. Some areas need more depth, and other positions have too many players vying for limited places.

Free agents are still looking for a new club for the season, and these transfers are often preferred for lower-league clubs due to the lower total cost. So, it’s expected that manager Graham Alexander will still be looking at some of these players who can join the club immediately.

Here are two free agents that Alexander should consider to bolster the squad early into the season.

Kyle Taylor (Released by Exeter City)

On the opening day of the Sky Bet League Two season, manager Alexander, when in possession of the ball, lined up with one sole defensive midfielder, captain Richie Smallwood, which seemed to surprise those commentating on the game for Sky Sports.

However, City fans will be familiar with this tactical approach. Alexander found success towards the tail end of last season, operating with two number 10s behind the two strikers, and has continued with this set-up into the current season.

This position has limited options, and depth is needed in case Smallwood is injured or unavailable. For this reason, Kyle Taylor could be a smart signing for the club.

Taylor suffered a horrific knee injury, which ruled the player out for 16 months, stretching back to 2022. However, he seems to be over his injury problems, having featured for Exeter City last season 32 times, scoring one goal with one assist.

The signing of Taylor could add depth to a position where the Bantams rely heavily on Smallwood. With the expectation that Taylor's former teammate, Kevin McDonald, will leave the Bantams this window, Taylor would be a good option should Alexander feel the need to strengthen this midfield area.

Jamal Blackman (Released by Burton Albion)

One area of the team that supporters have questioned in recent weeks is the goalkeeping options at the club should number one goalkeeper Sam Walker suffer injury or suspension this season.

With the only other options being the untested youth keeper Zac Hadi and current goalkeeper coach Colin Doyle, who is arguably way past his best at this stage, bringing in Jamal Blackman would certainly bring competition for that starting goalkeeper slot.

Having played 152 league games across the three EFL divisions, Blackman is an experienced shot-stopper who is still relatively young in terms of being a goalkeeper at the age of 30 and would be seen as a coup by Alexander should he pursue bringing the former Chelsea youth player to the club.

Since leaving Burton Albion in the summer, Blackman has reportedly rejected a contract offer from Chesterfield, according to The Spireites assistant manager Danny Webb, who spoke to BBC Radio Sheffield.

New signings crucial for Bradford

Kyle Taylor and Jamal Blackman are just two of the many talented footballers currently available on a free transfer, and signing either of these players would be ideal for Alexander, as the defensive midfield position is key to how the tactics and competition for places would bring the best out of both Smallwood and current number one Sam Walker.

Supporters will be hopeful of more signings and outgoings while the transfer window is still open, and these two players could be great signings that would help push the club towards the goal of promotion come May.