Lee Evans Returns To Bradford City In Dramatic Deadline Move

After a whirlwind of last-minute deals and dramatic moves, the English Football League’s winter transfer window slammed shut on February 2, 2026, capping off nearly 14 hours of frenzied activity that saw clubs hustling to bolster their squads for the business end of the season. While much of the focus was on high-profile moves in the Premier League, it was the EFL clubs who stole the spotlight with a series of transfers that could shape the promotion and relegation battles across the divisions.

One of the most talked-about stories of deadline day was the return of Lee Evans to Bradford City, a move that not only excited the Valley Parade faithful but also signaled the club’s ambition for the remainder of the campaign. The 31-year-old Welsh midfielder, who previously enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Bantams during the 2015-16 season, signed from Blackpool on a contract running until the end of the current season. Evans’ experience and winning pedigree—having secured promotions with Wolves, Wigan Athletic, and Ipswich Town—make him a prized addition for a Bradford side aiming to reignite their promotion push.

Evans, who racked up 76 appearances, seven goals, and seven assists for Blackpool, admitted his form had wavered this season. However, injuries among the Seasiders’ ranks recently thrust him back into the starting eleven under head coach Ian Evatt. Despite these challenges, Evans’ enthusiasm for his return to Valley Parade was unmistakable. “I am absolutely delighted to be returning to Valley Parade, my first time here was full of great times, and I am looking forward to creating some more. I cannot wait to be back out on that pitch in front of all you fans, giving my all for this club. The lads have made a brilliant start this season, and I am excited to come in and help both on and off the pitch and continue our progress and fight for every point,” Evans said in a heartfelt statement to the club’s supporters.

Bradford City’s manager, Graham Alexander, echoed the excitement surrounding Evans’ arrival, emphasizing the midfielder’s proven track record and leadership qualities. “Lee will bring us great experience and added strength in central midfield. He competes well and has an excellent passing range. His track record of success adds another winner to the group, and we are very happy to have him join us,” Alexander commented, underlining the club’s intent to challenge for promotion.

Evans’ history with Bradford is steeped in memorable moments. During his season-long loan from Wolves a decade ago, he played a pivotal role in helping the Bantams finish fifth in League One and reach the play-offs. His four goals that campaign included a crucial strike at Southend, clinching City’s place in the play-offs before they ultimately fell to Millwall in the semi-finals. Evans’ experience in high-pressure situations and his reputation as a promotion specialist—having lifted the third-tier title with Wolves, Wigan, and Ipswich—brings a wealth of know-how to a Bradford side eager to return to the upper echelons of English football.

It wasn’t just Evans making headlines at Valley Parade. Earlier on deadline day, Bradford City also secured the loan signing of Manchester United forward Ethan Wheatley for the rest of the campaign. Wheatley’s arrival adds firepower to a squad already brimming with optimism after a strong start to the season. The dual signings capped a hectic winter window for the Bantams, whose supporters will be hoping that this injection of quality and experience can propel them into the promotion mix.

Elsewhere in the EFL, the transfer window delivered its fair share of drama and intrigue. Blackburn Rovers made headlines early in the day by sacking manager Valerien Ismael, with the club languishing in the Championship relegation zone. The managerial shake-up underscored the high stakes facing clubs in the bottom half of the table as the season enters its decisive phase.

Sheffield United, desperate to salvage their campaign, brought in Kalvin Phillips and Joe Rothwell to strengthen their midfield options. Derby County, meanwhile, secured the services of Sammie Szmodics on loan from Ipswich, while Preston North End shattered their transfer record to land Pompey forward Callum Lang. Wrexham, continuing their rapid ascent through the leagues, snapped up Bailey Cadamarteri from Sheffield Wednesday and Davis Keillor-Dunn from Barnsley, signaling their intent to push for further promotion glory.

The Championship promotion race took another twist as Brentford’s Frank Onyeka completed a move to league leaders Coventry City. The addition of Onyeka, a player with Premier League pedigree, could prove pivotal as Coventry look to hold off a chasing pack that includes Bristol City, Birmingham, Norwich, Portsmouth, West Brom, and Stoke—all of whom dipped into the market to reinforce their squads ahead of the run-in.

Southampton, not to be left out of the action, saw their leading scorer Adam Armstrong depart for Wolverhampton Wanderers, a move that could have significant ramifications for both clubs as they chase their respective goals. As the dust settled on a frenetic day, attention quickly turned to matters on the pitch, with a bonus night of 11 fixtures across the Championship, League One, and League Two scheduled for February 3, 2026.

For Lee Evans, the move to Bradford marks both a homecoming and a new challenge. Having made 24 league appearances for Blackpool this term—11 of them from the bench, including a return to Valley Parade in September—Evans now finds himself at the heart of a club with momentum and ambition. His return has been met with widespread approval from both management and supporters, who remember his contributions a decade ago and are eager to see him replicate that success.

Evans’ journey through the divisions—punctuated by promotions with Wolves, Wigan, and Ipswich, as well as a brief spell at Portsmouth—has equipped him with the resilience and determination needed for the rigors of a promotion battle. Capped four times by Wales, he brings international experience to a Bradford squad that will be counting on his leadership both on and off the pitch.

As the winter transfer window fades into memory, the focus now shifts to the relentless grind of league action. With new faces bedding in and squads refreshed, the race for promotion and the fight to avoid relegation promise plenty of twists and turns. For Bradford City and Lee Evans, the next chapter begins now—with everything still to play for and the promise of more great times ahead at Valley Parade.