Exclusive: Don Goodman urges Bradford City to seal transfer "coup" for ex-Huddersfield Town star | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Don Goodman has been discussing Bradford's interest in ex-Huddersfield Town defender Matty Pearson.

Bradford City aren't wasting any time in the transfer market following their automatic promotion to League One.

According to journalist Alan Nixon reporting via his Patreon page on 25 May, the Bantams are reportedly in talks to sign ex-Huddersfield Town defender Matty Pearson.

The 31-year-old was confirmed by the Terriers as being one of a host of first-team players who are being released following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

Nixon states that Pearson would be seen as a key player in Graham Alexander's newly promoted League One side next term.

"I have absolutely no doubt" - Don Goodman makes Bradford City, Matty Pearson transfer claim

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former Bradford City player, Don Goodman: 'Bradford are in talks to sign ex-Huddersfield centre-back Matty Pearson. He's from Keighley, so he's local and has plenty of experience. Thoughts? Good potential signing for the Bantams?'

Goodman said: "I think if Bradford City can persuade Matty Pearson to join them, it would be one heck of a coup.

"I know he's 31, but he has been a real stalwart at Huddersfield Town. He's a big, powerful, goalscoring central defender, with lots and lots of experience.

"I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that he would be a huge asset to Bradford City in their quest to initially establish themselves in League One, and then ultimately kick on from there."

Matty Pearson would surely be a highly shrewd signing for Bradford City

With Bradford City making their return to League One football for the first time since 2019 next season, they won't want to simply do a year of sightseeing before returning to League Two.

However, that's going to be easier said than done, and if City want to ensure they establish themselves back in the third tier once again, then getting key areas of their team right, such as central defence, is going to be key.

The Bantams fielded one of League Two's most uncharitable defensive units in 2024/25, and adding an experienced and proven campaigner such as Pearson, on a free transfer no less, would surely only bolster that group significantly.

Critically, standout Barnsley loanee Jack Shepherd will return to Oakwell this summer, despite the fact that the Bantams are said to be keen on securing a permanent transfer for the 24-year-old.

However, it's understood that completing such a deal will be a challenge for Bradford, and as such, there's no guarantee the impressive young centre-back returns to the University of Bradford Stadium this summer.

Therefore, Pearson - who has racked up almost 200 appearances at Championship level and over 70 at League One level - could be an ideal replacement for Shepherd.

The ex-Huddersfield Town defender is fresh off the back of a solid campaign in League One, proving himself to be a more than capable player at that level.

As such, he could slot straight into Alexander's back three, and provide the dressing room with another real leader and proven performer in the third tier.