Harry Ibbitson leaves: 2 players Bradford City should loan out this summer | OneFootball

The loan market, a crucial part of the transfer window, offers a lifeline for players who need game time to find it elsewhere away from their parent clubs. This summer, Bradford City has bolstered an already busy squad, and there will surely be more incomings to happen over the next few months.

With 10 players leaving Valley Parade at the end of their contracts this summer and Matty Platt already agreeing terms with Notts County, the club will be looking for more transfers to add to the four who have already signed up for next season: Callum Johnson, Antoni Sarcevic, Aden Baldwin, and Neill Byrne. Some players will likely leave the club either permanently or on loan.

FLW has focussed on two players who may leave Bradford City on loan this summer as they look to increase game time, showcase their skills, and ultimately look to impress manager Graham Alexander on their return to the club after a potential loan move.

Harry Ibbitson

Harry Ibbitson is a name that Bradford supporters have heard quite a lot about during the conclusion of last season going into the summer.

Ibbitson, who is only 18 years of age, has signed his first professional contract with the club and may look to follow fellow former youth player Bobby Pointon, who spent loan moves away from the club at Brighouse Town and Farsley Celtic before returning to the squad and making his successful breakthrough into the first team last season.

Known for his goalscoring ability, he scored 31 times in all competitions for the U19s last season. This means Ibbitson could potentially look to find a move into the National League pyramid, which would be a great introduction for the striker to showcase his talents in the men’s game.

Local clubs Halifax Town, Farsley Celtic, and Guiseley AFC all play within the non-league system at different levels and could be potential clubs that look to bring Ibbitson in to add to their attacking options. In addition, game time Bradford will be difficult to find for Ibbitson, with Andy Cook, Calum Kavanagh, Jake Young, and Tyler Smith all looking for those forward-starting places next season.

Lewis Richards

Lewis Richards is another relatively young name in the squad who can potentially be a starting left-back or left-wing-back in the bottom two EFL divisions in the near future.

However, the 22-year-old is still somewhat raw despite playing 31 times for the club in all competitions. The left wing-back position, as Bradford typically plays a variation of a 3-5-2 to date under Alexander, has been problematic throughout the previous season as teams looked to isolate right wing-back Brad Halliday, which would nullify the attacking output.

Although Richards would be a good enough backup option right now, the defender, who joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023, will likely want more game time. With Clarke Oduor able to fill the position and the likelihood of a new left-sided defender or two joining the club, a loan move could be the best option for all parties next season.

Game time and the experience of a full season playing in the first-team squad could do both Richards and Ibbitson the world of good. They could return to the Bantams as better, more rounded players and progress from there.