Bradford City Transfer News: The Lower Tiers understands that Lewis Richards is close to agreeing a new contract with Bradford City despite reported interest from Championship and top-end League One sides.
The 23-year-old defender, who has spent the last two seasons with the Bantams, is currently
set to be a free agent with his contract set to expire on the 30th of June.
But after weeks of negotiations, sources have confirmed that Richards is in advanced
talks to remain at Valley Parade, with a new deal potentially signed off before the end of
the month.
This is a significant boost for City boss Graham Alexander, who is eager to keep hold of
one of last season’s standout performers.
Richards made the left-wing-back role his own during the 2024/25 campaign, delivering a
string of impressive displays before a recurring injury brought his season to a premature
end in February.
The issues required surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the season and allowing
Crystal Palace loanee Tayo Adaramola to step into the position.
Despite the setback, Richards still managed 17 starts, contributing 2 goals and 1
assist—an impressive return for a player operating in a predominantly defensive role. His
athleticism, positional awareness, and attacking drive made him a key outlet on the left flank
but Adaramola slotted in straight away and back an instant fan-favourite thanks to his pace
and intent to get up the pitch.
Richards’ form didn’t go unnoticed, with several clubs higher up the EFL pyramid tracking his
progress closely in recent months. Championship sides were believed to be weighing up
contract offers, while a number of ambitious League One teams had made contact with the
player’s representatives.
But Bradford have moved quickly to show their faith in Richards, even amid his injury
recovery. Talks have been described as “positive” and “progressing well,” and a deal now
looks increasingly likely.
Richards is said to be motivated by the loyalty shown by the club during his rehabilitation
and has a strong connection with the fans after two committed years in claret and amber.
There’s also a feeling within the player’s camp that he has unfinished business at City,
especially after being denied the chance to finish the season on the pitch.
His potential new contract would be a big statement for Alexander’s squad-building efforts as
the club plots to pick up from where they left off in the 2025/26 season. With Adaramola
rumoured to be keen on a return to City and with Tyreik Wright a more attacking option, the
Bantams have got plenty of options in left-wing-back and can chop and change depending
on how they want manage certain games.
Nothing is confirmed yet as, last week, Graham Alexander stated that “The ball is in Lewis’s
court” regarding the new deal but talks have progressed since then.
As it stands, Lewis Richards looks set to extend his stay at Bradford City, turning down
bigger offers to continue his development in West Yorkshire.
