Bradford City have suffered a significant setback after their star player confirmed his departure from Valley Parade, securing a move on a £250,000 contract.
After weeks of speculation, the deal has now been completed — officially drawing the curtain on his time with the Bantams and sparking disappointment among the fanbase. Seen as one of the club’s most influential figures, his reliability, presence on the field, and leadership made him an integral part of the squad.
Although City pushed to retain their key man, the appeal of a fresh challenge combined with the financial terms ultimately swayed the decision. The £250,000 agreement marks a pivotal moment in his career and alters the dynamic of Bradford’s transfer business this summer.
His exit leaves a major void that manager Graham Alexander will be under pressure to address swiftly, with supporters already calling for reinforcements before the transfer deadline. While names have been linked, replacing the qualities and impact of their departing talisman will be no easy task.
With the move now complete, focus turns to how Bradford will respond — as the club looks to steady ambitions and avoid disruption heading into the new season.
Johnson made an impression during his short spell at Valley Parade, netting four goals in 27 League One appearances. He had joined Bradford from Jamaican outfit Tivoli Gardens in 2006, just a year before moving on.
Sheffield Wednesday ultimately won the race for his signature, paying a fee reported to be well above the £250,000 bid Derby County had lodged earlier in that January window. According to Sky Sports, a clause in Johnson’s contract allowed him to negotiate with other clubs if an offer above a set figure was received.
Once at Hillsborough, Johnson quickly became a fan favourite. His explosive pace and ability to produce moments of brilliance made him a crowd-pleaser, with his stunning solo strike against Blackburn Rovers standing out as a highlight of his career with the Owls.
On the international stage, Johnson was equally recognised, earning 74 caps for Jamaica. However, his time in England wasn’t without controversy. In the heated Steel City derby of 2008, referee Mike Dean famously recalled him to the pitch to issue a red card after Johnson kicked a bottle and shoved members of the Wednesday coaching staff when substituted. The winger later issued an apology through the club’s official channels, admitting frustration had gotten the better of him.
Despite ups and downs, Johnson’s seven-and-a-half years at Sheffield Wednesday remain highly regarded. Signed by Brian Laws for a fee just over £250,000, he proved to be one of the club’s shrewdest acquisitions of the modern era. Across 215 appearances, Johnson recorded 31 goals and 24 assists, consistently entertaining fans across both the Championship and League One.
After leaving Wednesday in 2014, he moved to the United States with Indy Eleven before eventually returning to Tivoli Gardens, the club where his career first began. For many Wednesday supporters, Johnson’s time at Hillsborough is remembered fondly, his commitment and flair putting him alongside loyal modern figures like Liam Palmer and Barry Bannan in the club’s folklore.
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