Bradford City are intensifying their efforts to strengthen their attacking options this summer, with the club now reportedly close to beating Stockport County to the signing of prolific striker Jake Beesley.
After enjoying an impressive 2025/26 campaign under manager Graham Alexander, Bradford are determined to build on their recent success and mount another serious promotion challenge next season. The Bantams secured a League One play-off place just a year after earning promotion from League Two, highlighting the rapid progress being made at Valley Parade.
Although Bradford’s season ended in disappointment following a semi-final play-off defeat to Bolton Wanderers, there remains significant optimism around the club. Bolton eventually secured promotion to the Championship after comfortably defeating Stockport County 4-1 in the play-off final on Bank Holiday Monday.
With the summer transfer window officially opening on June 15, Bradford’s recruitment plans are already beginning to take shape. One of the club’s primary objectives is to address their lack of a reliable goalscorer, an issue that became increasingly evident throughout the previous campaign.
Stockport County, meanwhile, are also preparing for a crucial summer following their failed promotion bid. In addition to rebuilding their squad, the Greater Manchester side are now searching for a new manager after the departure of long-serving boss Dave Challinor by mutual agreement.
Challinor leaves behind a remarkable legacy at Edgeley Park. During his tenure, he guided Stockport to the National League title in 2022 before securing promotion from League Two in 2024. Under his leadership, County also established themselves as one of League One’s strongest sides, finishing third in consecutive seasons.
Despite Stockport’s interest in Jake Beesley, reports from journalist Alan Nixon suggest Bradford City are now leading the race to secure the striker’s signature. Beesley has reportedly been a long-term target for the Bantams, and the club appear ready to finalize a deal ahead of their rivals.
The report also claims that if Bradford successfully complete the signing of Beesley, they are expected to end their pursuit of Preston North End forward Michael Smith, who previously played for Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United.
Beesley enjoyed an outstanding season with Burton Albion during the 2025/26 campaign. The striker scored 13 goals and contributed seven assists in 45 League One appearances, establishing himself as one of the division’s most effective forwards.
Having joined Burton from Blackpool only last summer, Beesley adapted quickly and became a vital player for Gary Bowyer’s side. His performances played a major role in helping Burton preserve their League One status, with the Brewers eventually finishing 17th in the table, five points clear of relegation danger.
For Bradford City, Beesley could prove to be exactly the type of striker they lacked last season. While the Bantams performed admirably overall, one of their biggest weaknesses was the absence of a consistent goal-scoring centre-forward capable of leading the attack throughout the season.
Interestingly, none of Bradford’s recognised strikers managed to reach double figures in League One during the previous campaign. Instead, the club’s leading scorers were attacking midfielders Antoni Sarcevic and Bobby Pointon.
Alexander frequently rotated between forwards such as Stephen Humphrys and Will Swan, who scored seven and six league goals respectively. Loan signings Ethan Wheatley from Manchester United and Paul Mullin from Wrexham also struggled to make a meaningful impact in front of goal, with neither player finding the net.
As a result, signing a dependable striker has become one of Bradford’s most urgent priorities heading into the new season. Beesley’s proven goal-scoring ability at League One level makes him an attractive option for Alexander’s side.
There is also a strong belief that the striker could elevate his performances even further if he joins Bradford. Surrounded by stronger teammates and operating within a more ambitious squad, Beesley may have the platform needed to increase his goal tally and help drive the Bantams toward another promotion push.
