Bradford City should offer Sheffield United transfer escape to Chris Wilder misfit | OneFootball

Bradford City should look to Sheffield United to strengthen their midfield following Max Power's exit

Bradford City have already been busy in the summer transfer market, having signed striker Jake Beesley from Burton Albion.

The Bantams have also facilitated the exit of former captain and influential midfielder Max Power, who has returned to Wigan Athletic for a third spell with the Latics.

Power helped the West Yorkshire club reach the League One play-offs, registering six assists in 43 third-tier appearances, but they were beaten in the semi-finals by eventual promotion winners Bolton Wanderers.

Bradford are now tasked with finding an adequate replacement for the 32-year-old, who has won three League One titles with his new club, Wigan.

Bradford City can fill Max Power void with out-of favour Sheffield United man

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The Bantams' acquisition of Beesley should successfully solve their striker issue, a problem which hindered last season's promotion chances.

Bradford did remarkably well to land a play-off spot in their first season back in League One, following their promotion from League Two, but the likes of Will Swan, Kayden Jackson, and Stephen Humphrys all struggled for consistency while leading the line.

Meanwhile, Beesley notched 13 goals and seven assists in 45 third-tier appearances for Burton last season, and should be able to score more regularly for the West Yorkshire side, where he will be surrounded by better teammates.

However, Bradford are also a weaker side without Power, who successfully dictated the tempo of their League One games, particularly on home soil.

With Power's move to Wigan in mind, the Bantams should look to sign Sheffield United midfielder Alex Matos, who has fallen out of favour at Bramall Lane.

Matos made two senior appearances for his former club, Chelsea, before joining the Blades last summer, suggesting that he could have been a real asset for Chris Wilder's men.

However, the 21-year-old has made just eight Championship outings, including only three starts.

Before joining Wilder's side last summer, he enjoyed second-tier loan spells with Huddersfield Town and Oxford United, helping the U's retain their second-tier status under former boss Gary Rowett.

Despite losing his way at Sheffield United, Matos could prove to be a real asset for Bradford in League One, having gained Championship experience as well as previously making a Premier League appearance for Chelsea.

The Bantams need a commanding presence in midfield following Power's exit, and Matos can provide them with exactly that, should they sign him from the Blades.

According to FotMob, the Sheffield United youngster enjoyed a pass accuracy of 87.8 per cent in his eight Championship appearances last season, showing that he could be a real metronome for Bradford, where he would enjoy more game time.

He was also an influential figure during his 2024/25 loan spell with Oxford, making 86 defensive contributions, 49 tackles, and 18 interceptions in the second tier.

His tenacity, coupled with his ability on the ball, could make him an ideal Power replacement.

Furthermore, the former Chelsea man is still just 21 years old, so he still has plenty of time to develop, while he should adjust well to League One.

Alex Matos should be open to League One move

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Having joined Sheffield United last summer, Matos would not have envisaged that he would be in a position where he might have to move to a League One club ahead of next season.

However, he has fallen out of favour at Bramall Lane and needs to consider his game time at a crucial stage in his development and career.

Bradford should be particularly keen on landing a move for the former Huddersfield and Oxford loan star's services, as they need to adequately replace Power ahead of next season.

Matos may even develop into a better player than the former Sunderland ace, as he has plenty of years ahead of him.