Bradford City land ex-Everton defender Reece Welch on deal 2026

Key Points

• Reece Welch, 22, has signed a two-year contract with Bradford City after a successful trial period.
• The former Everton academy graduate featured in five pre-season friendlies and travelled with the squad to Austria.
• Welch becomes Bradford City’s seventh summer signing following his release from Everton at the end of the 2025-26 season.
• The 6ft 6in defender previously had loan spells with Forest Green Rovers and Belgian side KMSK Deinze.
• Manager Graham Alexander praised Welch’s athleticism, ball ability and defensive will, saying the club will work to help him fulfil his potential.
• Welch expressed excitement about joining, citing the “good energy” at Valley Parade and thanking the manager for his faith.
• He is expected to be available for Bradford’s Carabao Cup first-round tie against Rochdale this Saturday.

Everton FC (Liverpool standard) August 05, 2026 – Former uk/local/everton/">Everton defender Reece Welch has joined Bradford City on a two-year deal after impressing during pre-season. The 22-year-old centre-back, who stands 6ft 6in, becomes the Bantams’ seventh recruit of the summer window following a successful trial spell that included five friendly appearances and a place on the squad’s pre-season tour to Austria.

Reece Welch statement on Bradford City move

“I am really excited to be here,” said Welch, as quoted by the Telegraph & Argus.

“You know the size of the club, it is massive. I have been in for a few weeks on trial now and can already feel the good energy around the club. The lads are all sound, great players. The gaffer is brilliant, and I am thankful the manager has put his faith in me and hopefully I can show what I am about.”

Graham Alexander comments on signing Reece Welch

Bradford City boss Graham Alexander added his own assessment of the new signing. “Reece has all the attributes we like in our defenders,” Alexander said, according to club statements reported by the Telegraph & Argus.

“He has athleticism, excellent ability on the ball and a will to defend. We believe he has the potential to be a top player and we will work hard with him to fulfil it. We are delighted to bring him on board at Valley Parade.”

The BBC reported similar comments from Alexander, who said:

“We are confident that he possesses the ability to become an exceptional player, and we are committed to working diligently with him to realise that potential.”

Reece Welch career path from Everton academy to Bradford City

Welch graduated from Everton’s academy and signed his first professional contract with the Toffees in 2020. He made three first-team appearances for Everton before being released at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, as confirmed by the club in June 2026.

During his time at Everton, Welch gained senior experience through loan moves. He spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at League Two side Forest Green Rovers, where he made 23 league appearances, according to his Wikipedia profile. He then joined Belgian Challenger League club KMSK Deinze on loan in September 2024, though that spell was brief, with records showing just one league appearance before he returned to Everton.

What is Reece Welch’s playing style and physical profile?

Welch is a towering centre-back at 6ft 6in (1.97m), a physical profile that has been highlighted in multiple reports. His height and reach make him a notable presence in defensive duels and set-piece situations.

Bradford’s management have emphasised his technical attributes alongside his size. Alexander pointed to his “excellent ability on the ball” and “athleticism” as key reasons for the signing, suggesting the club views him as a modern defender comfortable in possession as well as in traditional defending.

How did Reece Welch earn his Bradford City contract?

Welch spent several weeks on trial at Valley Parade before securing a contract. As reported by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, the defender had attracted interest from other clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday, before Bradford moved to agree terms.

The Telegraph & Argus noted that Welch featured in the last five friendlies for City and was part of the squad that travelled to Austria for pre-season training, giving the coaching staff ample opportunity to assess his fitness, tactical understanding and integration with existing players.

When will Reece Welch make his Bradford City debut?

Welch is expected to be in contention for immediate selection. The BBC reported that he is poised to be available for Bradford’s Carabao Cup first-round match against Rochdale this Saturday. His inclusion would add depth to a defence that manager Alexander has been shaping throughout the pre-season period.

Who else has Bradford City signed this summer?

Welch is the seventh addition to Bradford’s squad in the current transfer window. While the club has not publicly detailed all arrivals in every report, local coverage has indicated that Alexander had been targeting further reinforcements, particularly in defence, after assessing the squad’s needs earlier in July.

Earlier in the summer, trialists including Reece James, who faced Bradford last season with Rotherham, were also given run-outs, but it is Welch who has secured a deal at this stage.

Background to Reece Welch’s development and releases

Reece Belfield Welch was born on 19 September 2003 in Huddersfield and joined Everton’s academy at the age of seven, progressing through the youth system before signing a professional deal in 2020. He represented England at under-20 level and was long regarded as a prospect with the physical tools to play at a higher level.

Everton announced in June 2026 that Welch would be released upon the expiration of his contract, making him a free agent. His exit came after limited first-team opportunities, with loan moves intended to accelerate his development. The Forest Green spell provided consistent League Two minutes, while the Deinze loan offered exposure to a different league environment, albeit briefly.

Following his release, Welch trained independently and sought a new club, with several EFL sides monitoring his situation. Bradford’s decision to bring him in on trial reflected both the club’s cautious approach to recruitment and Welch’s need to demonstrate match readiness after a period without a permanent team.

Prediction: how Reece Welch’s signing could affect Bradford City supporters and squad

For Bradford City supporters, Welch’s arrival signals a continuation of the club’s strategy of recruiting young, physically imposing defenders with room to develop under Alexander’s coaching. His height and aerial presence could strengthen the team’s defence against direct opponents and improve set-piece defending, areas often scrutinised by fans during league campaigns.

If Welch adapts quickly to League football and secures a regular starting place, supporters could see a more resilient back line, particularly in matches where physical duels and crosses into the box are prevalent. His age also means that, should he progress as Alexander hopes, fans may benefit from watching a home-grown-style academy product mature into a key player over the coming seasons.

For the squad, Welch adds competition for places in central defence, pushing existing players to maintain performance levels. His ball-playing attributes, highlighted by the manager, suggest he could fit into a system that values building from the back, potentially influencing how Bradford approach games against both direct and possession-oriented opponents.