Richie Smallwood Set for Shock Exit – EFL Clubs Battle for Bradford’s Captain as Departure Looks Inevitable
The writing’s on the wall: Richie Smallwood’s time at Bradford City is all but over.
After three seasons of grit, leadership, and unrelenting commitment, the Bantams’ captain looks set to walk away — and the football world is paying close attention. With over five EFL clubs already launching interest in the midfield veteran, sources suggest there is a 95% chance that Smallwood will not be lining up at Valley Parade next season.
The 33-year-old, who arrived in 2022 with a Championship pedigree and instant captain’s armband, has become the face of the club’s fight for promotion. But three years later, that goal remains unfulfilled. Despite flashes of brilliance and playoff pushes, Bradford City are still in League Two — and Smallwood may be done waiting.
Now, as his contract expires and talks for a renewal collapse, the race for his signature is igniting across the EFL.
Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, MK Dons, Doncaster Rovers, and AFC Wimbledon have all made their interest known — and those are just the names on record. The lure of a new project, fresh ambition, and League One football could be too powerful for Smallwood to ignore.
One source close to the player stated:
“He’s given everything to Bradford, but the clock’s been ticking. This kind of transfer interest doesn’t happen by accident — it’s not just about money. It’s about legacy and winning now.”*
And clubs aren’t just making polite inquiries — they’re preparing offers. They see a ready-made leader, a battle-hardened midfield general, and a voice that commands a dressing room. Smallwood isn’t just another free agent — he’s a statement signing.
Bradford City fans will be gutted, but not surprised. While his performances earned him the **Player of the Year award**, the lack of tangible team progress may be the final straw. Smallwood came to get Bradford promoted — but with the club stuck in League Two and time ticking on his career, the moment to move on may have finally come.
Don’t be shocked if a deal is done soon. The Richie Smallwood sweepstakes are heating up — and Bradford may already be out of the race.
Transfer Frenzy: EFL Clubs in Tug-of-War for Richie Smallwood After Shock Bradford Exit
Transfer window is barely open, and already one of League One’s biggest transfer stories is unfolding — Richie Smallwood, Bradford City’s talismanic captain and Player of the Year, is officially on the market. And chaos is breaking out behind the scenes.
Sources close to the situation confirm that no fewer than five clubs are in hot pursuit of the 33-year-old midfield general. Leading the charge are Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, MK Dons, and newly-promoted challengers Doncaster Rovers and AFC Wimbledon — all desperate to add a proven winner to their ranks.
Described by insiders as “irreplaceable,” Smallwood brought steel, composure, and over 400 games’ worth of experience to a youthful Bradford side. His influence in the dressing room was immense — and clubs know it. With EFL managers desperate for leadership in the middle of the park, Smallwood has become **one of the hottest free agents in the lower leagues.
One League One scout even told *EFL Analysis*: “You don’t get players like him on a free very often. He’s a ready-made captain — someone who transforms a team’s mentality overnight.”
Now the question looms: where will he land? Wherever that is, they’ll be getting a player who’s still got fuel in the tank and a point to prove.
