Bradford City made waves this Friday by bolstering their attack with two new signings, headlined by the permanent addition of Derby County striker Kayden Jackson.
Jackson’s arrival on a two-and-a-half-year contract followed the earlier loan signing of Paul Mullin, marking the club’s fourth and fifth acquisitions of the current winter transfer window.
A Homecoming Story
For the 31-year-old Jackson, this move is a full-circle moment. Born in Bradford, he was released by the club as a youth player before carving out a long career in professional football.
His journey back to West Yorkshire included:
- Early Days: Non-league stints followed by a professional start at Swindon Town.
- The Breakthrough: A standout period at Accrington Stanley led to a high-profile move to Ipswich Town in 2018.
- The Long Haul: He spent six years at Ipswich, making nearly 200 appearances before joining Derby County in 2024.
Why the Move Matters
Both the player and the manager expressed high hopes for this reunion:
- Kayden Jackson: Described the move as an “emotional” homecoming. He noted that after watching the club’s recent success from afar, he felt it was the perfect time to return and contribute to their momentum.
- Graham Alexander (Manager): Praised Jackson’s “pace, athleticism, and versatility.” Alexander highlighted that Jackson’s experience at higher divisions will provide the squad with a new tactical dimension.
