Bradford City FC News: The Lower Tiers understands that Barnsley defender Jack Shepherd will be staying at the club this summer despite rumoured interest from Bradford City.
Jack Shepherd will be returning to Barnsley as part of their first-team squad in pre-season.
The 23-year-old impressed on loan at Valley Parade this season, making 39 appearances, scoring 2 goals and ultimately helping the club towards their promotion to League Two.
The centre-half quickly became a fan-favourite at City thanks to his composure at the back that’s far above his age.
His use of the ‘dark-arts’ to win free kicks makes him the sort of player you’d hate to play against but would absolutely love for him to play for your club.
Bradford City will have no doubt have wanted to keep him for the 2025/26 season but it would take a huge bid to convince Barnsley to sell him as they rate him very highly.
It’s unlikely that Bradford City will have the money to do such a deal but these are new times for the club. It’s City’s first season in League One for 6 years so it’s hard to predict how they’ll go about their business.
The left side of their back three could become an issue they’ll need to sort quickly this summer. They will only have Ciaron Kelly as a natural left-sided centre-back and that’s only if he signs a new contract.
However, Bradford City have been closely linked with an experienced League One centre-back in Matty Pearson. The 31-year-old would bring a wealth of experience for the Bantams including 193 appearances at Championship level.
Pearson is a local lad and a free agent so I’d say the chances of this deal is very likely.
As for Barnsley, Jack Shepherd will be feel a like a new signing for them. Some touted him as the best centre-back in League Two last season so a chance to prove himself at this parent club is more than fair.
