Bradford City is interested in Sunderland teenager Oliver Bainbridge ahead of a possible summer loan, sources tell reporter Alan Nixon.
When it comes to developing young players through their academy, Sunderland has an outstanding reputation; in recent years, many of these players have gone on to establish themselves as mainstays on Wearside.
Dan Neil and Anthony Patterson are two of the current crop’s mainstays for the first team. Chris Rigg, a teenage midfielder, is another talented player who seems set for success.
Oliver Bainbridge, a defender who has been a mainstay for the U18s and U21s, is another player with high expectations. He has also appeared on the first team bench once, in a March matchup versus QPR.
Everton is rumoured to have shown interest in the 18-year-old, but League Two Bradford City is reportedly also interested in Bainbridge, as a possible loan deal is pending, according to writer Alan Nixon.
Since the adolescent has played a lot of youth football for Sunderland, a promotion to the first squad may be in store. An EFL loan could be a terrific method to help him grow before he joins the Black Cats.
The next step for Bainbridge
You would expect Sunderland, a team experienced in developing young players, to choose wisely when it comes to Bainbridge when the summer transfer window opens.
Given that the young player played so much youth football at the age of 18, it’s possible that an early senior opportunity arises. How well regarded he is at the Stadium of Light is evident from his appearance on the first-team bench in March.
The Wearside team is more than willing to offer young players who show potential a shot, but many also gain from loan stints away from the team.
Bainbridge could be the next to try drawing attention away from the Championship team as Bradford City assesses a move.
Next season for the Bantams
Bradford City will be motivated to take advantage of a successful summer transfer window.
Graham Alexander will be leading Valley Parade for the first time this summer, and after some encouraging results so far, there will be optimism that he can lead the Bantams back to the top of the table.
Although permanent signings will undoubtedly be considered, loans for talents like Sunderland’s ace Bainbridge are a clever method for them to reinforce the ranks with bright players. Transfer business will need to be spot on, though.
However, Sunderland and its young star will ultimately make the call, so it will be interesting to see how the Bantams’ interest plays out.
