Bradford City must fix big issue in the summer transfer window - it could yet cost them League One promotion | OneFootball

Bradford City have to look for a new striker in the summer window.

After six miserable years in League Two, Bradford City have finally given themselves a good shot at automatic promotion.

Under the guidance of Graham Alexander, they have progressed from play-off contenders at the end of 2024 to genuine top-three challengers following a superb opening three months of 2025.

Although they have lost their last two matches, they were in outstanding form before that, winning 10 of their first 13 games of the calendar year. This included impressive victories over the likes of Walsall, Grimsby Town and Cheltenham Town, all of whom couldn't get close to Alexander's side in their respective fixtures.

However, successive 1-0 defeats to Gillingham and Tranmere Rovers have raised concerns about whether the Bantams have the firepower to see them over the line.

Currently, they hold a three-point advantage over third and fourth place, but with upcoming fixtures against defensively stout teams and Andy Cook ruled out until next season, where will the goals come from?

Bradford City will be looking for an Andy Cook replacement in the summer

For now, Alexander will be hoping their resilience can see them over the line, but he will surely have one eye on potential summer signings to find a suitable replacement for Cook.

The commanding striker suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Barrow on New Year's Day, having already scored 12 goals in 22 League Two matches. His goalscoring prowess has become a familiar sight for Bantams supporters, with the 34-year-old netting 85 goals in 192 appearances for Bradford – including a remarkable 28-goal season in 2022-23.

Unfortunately, they won’t be able to rely on him for the remainder of the campaign, and as is well documented, recovering from such a serious injury - particularly at this stage of his career - is no easy task.

Cook will undoubtedly give his all to return, but Alexander cannot afford to pin his hopes on that and should be actively seeking a new striker.

If the Bantams secure promotion to League One, they will need a clinical finisher to help them stay up, as they have struggled to create chances consistently. This season in League Two, they rank 13th for expected goals (xG) and 18th for big chances, highlighting their heavy reliance on a resolute defence.

In the division above, finding the back of the net will be even more crucial, making the search for a younger, hungry alternative to Cook the wisest course of action.

Bradford will hope Cook injury doesn't cost them promotion

Although Bradford have been on a stellar run without Cook, missing a striker of his calibre in crucial fixtures could ultimately cost them.

Beyond the 34-year-old, no other player has scored more than six goals, and Bradford's tally of 48 goals in 37 matches is hardly reflective of a side competing for promotion.

This will make for a nervy run-in for Bantams supporters, with the remaining games likely to be tight and tense affairs. They also face some of the league's toughest defences, with Colchester United, Port Vale, and Crewe Alexandra all among their final nine fixtures.

Regardless of which division they find themselves in next year, reinforcements will be essential. Not just up front, but also in the creative areas, to help Alexander build on what is already an exceptionally solid foundation.