Bradford City Stun the Market with £37,000 Capture of Former Manchester United Prospect. Bradford City have pulled off one of the most eye-catching deals of the summer – snapping up a former Manchester United academy star for just £37,000.

Questions over Nick Powell’s Stockport future first emerged when the experienced midfielder was left without a squad number for the new campaign.

His second year at Edgeley Park was a frustrating one. After arriving as a free agent from Stoke City in 2023 and featuring 32 times in his debut season, the 31-year-old was restricted to just seven league appearances last term – only three of which came in 2025.

Now, Bradford City are poised to swoop for the soon-to-be-released playmaker. Stockport boss Dave Challinor had already confirmed in July that both the club and Powell were working towards a summer exit, despite the player having another year on his contract.

“It was agreed with everyone involved that Nick would move on this summer,” Challinor told BBC Sport Manchester. “We had that conversation as soon as the season ended, and that’s still where things stand.”

According to reporter Sam Byrne, that agreement is close to being finalised, with Bradford expected to be Powell’s next destination.

The Bantams have begun life in League One strongly under Graham Alexander, but are eager to further strengthen their midfield with a player who brings proven pedigree – including his status as a Crewe Alexandra play-off final hero and spells higher up the pyramid in the Championship.

Powell will face stiff competition in Alexander’s side, yet his quality is unquestionable. The length of his prospective deal will reveal just how much faith Bradford have in the ex-Manchester United prospect, with a one- or two-year contract the likeliest outcome at this stage of his career.

The big question now: can Alexander be the manager to unlock Powell’s full potential in League One?