Bradford City summer transfer latest: 'Constant threat' and long-term target joins from League One rivals
BRADFORD City have signed long-time Burton Albion target Jake Beesley on an initial two-year deal.
The striker, 29, has become the club’s first arrival of the close season and the transfer will officially go through when the summer window opens on June 15.
Beesley, the son of former Sheffield United and Leeds United centre-half Paul, joins for an undisclosed fee. He had also been linked with a move to Stockport County.
The former Blackpool frontman, a City target in the winter window, struck 13 times for the Brewers last term, including a goal in their 2-1 win at Valley Parade last November. He was named as the club’s players’ player of the year in 2025-26.
All told, Beesley has netted 77 career goals to date and his signing will add some proven third-tier goalscoring nous at City.
Speaking to Bantams TV, Sheffield-born Beesley, who had a prolific loan spell early on in his career at Bradford (Park Avenue), said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be here.
"It has been in the pipeline for a few transfer windows, but the timing was not right.
"Now the timing is great and I am delighted to get it done.
"As a player at this level, everyone knows what a big club this is. You raise your game when you play against Bradford City, so I can only imagine what it will be like when you have the supporters roaring behind you every game."
On landing Beesley, manager Graham Alexander added: “We are delighted to begin our summer business with the signing of Jake.
"He is someone who we have always been interested in and we have observed how he has progressed as a player. He is a great age, with good experience and still plenty of time to get better.
"He will give us a constant threat in the front line with his athleticism and willingness to go where goals are scored. His work ethic will be second to none and he is a brilliant character. I am happy he chose to come to us.”