Bradford City Land Paul Mullin And Kayden Jackson In Ambitious January Moves

Bradford City have sent a clear message to their League One rivals by making a bold double move in the January transfer window, signing Kayden Jackson from Derby County on a two-and-a-half-year deal and bringing in Wrexham legend Paul Mullin on loan for the rest of the 2025-26 season. The arrivals of these two seasoned forwards come at a crucial time for the Bantams, who are aiming to reignite their promotion push after a worrying run of three consecutive defeats.

For Bradford-born Jackson, 31, this transfer is more than just a return to his roots—it’s a homecoming years in the making. Released by the club’s academy as a youngster, Jackson has since carved out a career across the English Football League, amassing over 300 appearances for the likes of Grimsby Town, Accrington Stanley, Ipswich Town, and most recently Derby County. On signing for his hometown club, Jackson shared his delight: “I have been away from home for a long time. For my family to be able to come and see me week in week out now, on their doorstep, it is a special feeling,” he told the club website.

Joining him at Valley Parade is another 31-year-old with a remarkable story. Paul Mullin, fresh off a loan spell at Wigan Athletic where he netted five goals in 26 appearances, arrives with a reputation as one of the lower leagues’ most prolific strikers. Mullin’s heroics at Wrexham are already the stuff of legend: 110 goals in 172 matches and a starring role in the club’s extraordinary rise from the National League to the Championship, securing three straight promotions. Yet, with Wrexham now pushing for a fourth consecutive promotion and a place in the Premier League, Mullin found himself on the outside looking in as the Red Dragons reshaped their squad for a Championship playoff charge.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson acknowledged the significance of Mullin’s departure, stating, “We're really pleased for Paul, it’s a good opportunity to be part of a team challenging at the top of the league.” The club’s official statement echoed this sentiment, wishing Mullin and Bradford City the best for the remainder of the season. Mullin himself couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for the new challenge: “I am over the moon and cannot wait to start. When the opportunity came to come to Bradford, I absolutely jumped at it. I am fortunate to be offered the opportunity to come and play for this massive club in Yorkshire and play in front of all the supporters,” he told Bradford’s website. “I love success and being around successful people—coming here offers exactly that. There is an expectation from the fans which is big, that is something which suits me. When the pressure is on, I try to thrive in that environment.”

The double swoop for Jackson and Mullin brings Bradford’s tally of January signings to five. The club had already secured the services of Newcastle United duo Harrison Ashby and Joe White, as well as Oxford United midfielder Louie Sibley. It’s a clear statement of intent from manager Graham Alexander, who knows the value of experience and a winning mentality in the heat of a promotion race. Speaking about Mullin’s arrival, Alexander said, “Paul brings us a wealth of experience and know-how, with an ability to score all types of goals. He can also press the opposition in a way which helps the team. With several promotions under his belt, he will add to the winning mentality already in the group.”

Bradford City’s season so far has been a rollercoaster. After clinching automatic promotion from League Two on the final day of last campaign, the Bantams started their League One adventure with a flourish. However, recent weeks have seen them slip to fifth in the table, their promotion bid wobbling after three straight losses. With the Championship within touching distance for the first time since 2003-04, the club’s faithful are desperate to see their side rediscover the form that made them early-season contenders.

Jackson’s journey back to Valley Parade is steeped in emotion. Having once been let go by the club as a teenager, he returns as a seasoned pro, ready to make a difference not just for himself, but for the city that shaped him. “For my family to be able to come and see me week in week out now, on their doorstep, it is a special feeling,” he reiterated, underlining the personal stakes involved in this move. His versatility and experience across the EFL could prove invaluable as Bradford look to steady the ship and push on in the second half of the season.

Mullin, meanwhile, brings not only goals but a sense of belief. His record at Wrexham—38 league goals in their National League promotion campaign alone—speaks for itself. But it’s his hunger for success and his knack for rising to the occasion that could be the difference-maker. “Hopefully we can win as many games as possible, but to score in front of all the fans, this time on their side, would be really special,” Mullin said, already looking forward to making his mark at Valley Parade.

Wrexham, for their part, continue their own remarkable journey. With Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at the helm, the Red Dragons are now in the Championship’s top six after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win at Queens Park Rangers. Letting go of club legends like Mullin and James McClean is seen as a tough but necessary step as they look to solidify their place in the second tier and even dare to dream of Premier League football. Their next challenge comes against bottom side Sheffield Wednesday, with the eyes of the football world watching to see if their fairytale run can continue.

For Bradford City, the January signings represent a new chapter. The influx of proven talent and experience is designed to halt the recent slide and inject fresh impetus into their promotion charge. With Jackson and Mullin leading the line, supported by new faces in midfield and defense, there’s renewed optimism around Valley Parade. The pressure is on, but as Mullin himself put it, that’s exactly where he—and Bradford City—want to be.

As the League One season enters its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Bradford’s new-look squad to see if these bold moves can deliver the spark needed for a return to the Championship. The race is on, and with Jackson and Mullin in the fold, Bradford City fans have every reason to believe that their dreams of promotion are very much alive.