Bradford City

Kemp in, Taylor out: The dream start to Bradford City’s summer transfer window

Published

2 months ago

May 12, 2024

Bradford City is expected to let go of defender Ash Taylor, and they will attempt to reunite with Jake Young and Dan Kemp while cutting down on the roster.

Supporters look forward to one of the most exciting periods of the season—the summer transfer window—when players join the team and others depart through the door. This summer’s transfer window will take place at Valley Parade for Bradford City.

Bradford fans have been dissatisfied with some of the team’s and individual players’ on-field performances following an unimpressive 2023–24 season for the team, despite a late play-off drive and an exciting finish.

Despite some highlights to the season, including the breakthrough of young Bobby Pointon and the consistency of Brad Halliday, who was also named in the EFL League Two Team of the Season, there have been more misses than hits at the club throughout the whole campaign.

The summer transfer window last season saw the club bring in a host of new players and also see a large number of players leave the club. This summer is set to be somewhat similar, with manager Graham Alexander and the new head of football operations David Sharpe looking to reshape the squad.

Due to their contracts expiring, a number of players have already departed the team, while several who are still under contract are probably going to stay. In the same way, new people will join the club.

Let’s examine two players now: one who should depart this summer with a dream start to the window and another who could sign with the Bantams and reconnect with an old friend.

In: Dan Kemp

Dan Kemp Leyton Orient Tottenham Hotspur

Unfortunately, Jake Young missed the last few months of the 2023-24 season due to injury, so when he returns to action next season, he will be like a new signing for the Bantams.

One player who could join Young next season at Valley Parade is former teammate Dan Kemp, who is currently set to leave MK Dons when his contract expires in June 2024.

The attacking midfielder spent the first half of the season on loan at Swindon Town alongside Jake Young, who was also on loan. Between them, they contributed 30 goals and 12 assists before both leaving the club in January to return to their parent clubs, MK Dons and Bradford City, respectively.

Due to his relationship with Young and the fact that the team could use more creativity in the lineup to give attackers Andy Cook and Calum Kavanagh more opportunities to score, Kemp might be a smart addition for the Bantams.

Jamie Walker has not yet agreed to a new deal with the team, so Kemp would have fierce competition for a starting spot if he decides to stay, but Walker might be a terrific replacement should he decide to leave.

Out: Ash Taylor

Ashton Taylor Ash Taylor Northampton Town

The towering 6’3 defender joined the club under former manager Mark Hughes last summer after leaving Kilmarnock FC in the Scottish Premier League.

With Mark Hughes opting to ditch the 4-2-3-1 formation that took the club to the EFL League Two play-offs the season before, Taylor was signed to bring a presence to a new-look formation focusing on predominately using a back three, with Taylor likely to be the most central of the three.

Unfortunately for Taylor, it seems his best days are behind him. It was evident from early on that the defender was struggling with the pace that many clubs use in attack, and he was often found chasing the game out of position.

Taylor isn’t at the level required in the division, even though his dedication to attempting on the pitch is undeniable, as modern football becomes less violent as time goes on.

Although Taylor’s contract with the team runs out at the end of the 2024–25 campaign, his time with the Bantams is probably coming to an end as he hasn’t played a single minute of football since the team’s 2-0 loss to Swindon Town in January 2024.