Bradford City must consider Lee Evans u-turn after Millwall transfer | OneFootball

Bradford City released Lee Evans at the end of his contract, but perhaps the Bantams should think again

It's been a hectic summer transfer window at Bradford City already, despite it still being in its infancy.

The Bantams have addressed their problems from their first campaign back in League One, which was still a wholly successful one, by adding a recognised striker to their ranks, and a good one in Jake Beesley, too.

They're also heavily linked with Barnsley's Adam Phillips, who has been one of the more underrated attacking midfielders in the division over the past few years, contributing 70 goals in 182 Tykes appearances over four campaigns at the club.

However, with the excitement that comes with the incomings, there's been some key outgoings, too. Captain Max Power has returned to Wigan Athletic, and on Tuesday evening, League One Young Player of the Season nominee Jenson Metcalfe completed a move to Millwall.

While Graham Alexander's side has added some much-needed firepower at the top end of the pitch, the midfield pivot that helped the Bantams control so many games has been completely decimated, and now the onus is on adding a couple of apt replacements in the engine room.

Bradford City should consider extending Lee Evans after double exit

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With Phillips' addition likely to bolster an already threatening attacking midfield spot at Valley Parade, rather than to replace either Power or Metcalfe, Bradford should be looking to bring in a couple of holding midfielders this summer.

Perhaps one of those replacements wouldn't need to be signed from another club, per se.

Lee Evans' arrival at Valley Parade midway through last season from Blackpool formed part of what was a very underwhelming January transfer window for a side who still had an outside shot at finishing in the top two.

The three-time League One champion arrived on a deal until the end of the season, rejoining the club after an initial loan spell a decade earlier, while he was on the books at Wolves. Then, he played a key role in a third-tier play-off push, and even though this past season ended with the same result, his role was much less important.

Evans made just eight appearances for Bradford in the second half of the campaign, three of which were starts. He'd mainly be an unused substitute, and in the play-off legs against Bolton Wanderers, he wasn't even included in the squad.

Understandably, the 31-year-old didn't have his contract extended, but since the retained list was released a month ago, the midfield landscape has changed at Valley Parade.

Now, Bradford are calling out for a couple of defensive midfield additions. Evans would provide some stability and experience in a new-look engine room, alongside a promotion-winning pedigree that not many in his position have.

Lee Evans still has a lot to offer in League One

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Arguably, if Evans were leaving any other club this summer, rather than Bradford, many would be touting him for a move to Valley Parade, as he still has plenty to offer at League One level.

The 31-year-old is still one of the premier defensive midfielders in the division when it comes to winning duels at a consistent rate and getting on the ball to dictate attacks.

Per Fotmob, his winning percentage in duels placed him in the top 5% of players in his position in the third tier, and his touches, successful passes and accurate long balls per 90 ranked him in the top 10%.

He may not be the flashiest of replacements in the Bradford midfield this summer, and his recent spell at Valley Parade may be too much of a red flag for the Bantams to consider extending his deal after initially releasing him.

But if Graham Alexander's side are to maintain their promotion credentials next season, having a reliable head who knows the club already to bridge the gap between the departing Power and Metcalfe and some of the other new additions in the midfield could be a wise choice.