BRADFORD City manager Graham Alexander has revealed that he has earmarked talismanic midfielder Antoni Sarcevic for a new role in 2026-27 - as the Bantams strive to build on their outstanding past two seasons.

Sarcevic was the promotion hero for the Bantams back in May 2025, earning himself a place in club folklore in the process with a dramatic last-gasp winner against old club Fleetwood Town.

The Mancunian was also at the heart of the club's push for the Championship in last season's League One campaign—the club's first at third-tier level in six years - when they reached the play-offs.

In two seasons at Valley Parade, the 34-year-old - a leading candidate to be the club's next permanent captain following the departure of Max Power - has registered an impressive aggregate total of 18 goals and has proved to be a great success in an advanced number 10 role.

Talismanic Bradford City midfielder Antoni Sarcevic. (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

placeholder image — Talismanic Bradford City midfielder Antoni Sarcevic. (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

But Alexander has confirmed that his role will be tweaked in the new season and he is set to operate in a slightly deeper 'number eight' position following the sales of Power and Jenson Metcalfe, who have joined Wigan Athletic and Millwall respectively.

The City chief told The Yorkshire Post: "I think we're looking at a change of position for him because of personnel and people moving on.

"Callum Connolly and Sarce is probably a little bit similar to the midfield we had in League Two with Richie (Smallwood) and Patto (Alex Pattison).

"So (there's going to be) one defined 'sitter' and one just bombing forward and getting in the box.

Bradford City defender Aden Baldwin, who has signed a new deal at the League One club. Picture courtesy of BCAFC.

"Maybe last year with Max and Jenson, it was a bit of both from both of them.

"Whereas with these two guys, it's more of a sitter and more of a lad who can attack the spaces.

"I think Henry (Cartwright) is a bit of a mix in between them. I thought he was really good when he came on (in Wednesday's friendly win against Preston) – he’s really impressed me in pre-season.

"We know Sarce’s qualities. He's played as the right 10 for us in our formation but when I was at Fleetwood with him, he played as a central attacking midfield player and was our top scorer when we won promotion.

"He's a player who's versatile, but you've got to use his strengths. His strengths are that he's a powerful guy and he knows how to finish."

Meanwhile, Alexander is challenging key defender Aden Baldwin to improve his game even further as he enters his peak seasons as a centre-half after agreeing fresh terms with the Valley Parade outfit.

The former Notts County player, 29, who joined in the summer of 2024, has signed a new two-year contract which runs until June 2028, with the option of a further year.

Baldwin, who has made 76 appearances for City, helped the club to promotion from League Two in his first campaign at the club in 2024-25 and impressed again last term as the club finished in the top six.

Alexander said: "We have created a consistency here which is so important to any club wanting to have prolonged improvement and keeping players and staff we feel can continue that journey is very important.

"Aden has done great these last two seasons, but I believe there is more to come from him. The extension gives is the time to help him get better.”

On committing his future to the club, Baldwin commented: "It has been a rollercoaster ride; it has not always been plain sailing as we all know, but I have really enjoyed it.

"I like the way I play here; the gaffer can see me in multiple areas as well, so I can be utilised in various positions.

"That shows the faith he has got in me, not just him, but ‘Skip’ (Chris Lucketti) and ‘Truey’ (Mark Trueman) too, who all work tirelessly at the training ground with us."

The Bantams complete their pre-season programme today with a trip across the Pennines to face Salford City.