Wigan Target Bradford City Captain Max Power
Football transfer news is always a hot topic and this week, a significant rumour is circulating around the English Football League concerning Bradford City's captain, Max Power. Wigan Athletic, a club with a history intertwined with Power's career, has reportedly made an inquiry about signing him. This potential move could see Power return to a club where he achieved considerable success, adding a compelling narrative to the summer transfer window. The interest from Wigan, particularly from manager Gary Caldwell who has a previous relationship with the midfielder, suggests this isn't just a casual enquiry but a serious intent to bring him back to the DW Stadium.
Max Power has been a pivotal figure for Bradford City since his arrival last summer under Graham Alexander, signing a two-year deal to replace the promotion-winning captain Richie Smallwood. He's played a significant number of games for the Bantams, featuring in 51 matches last season and forming a strong central midfield partnership with Jenson Metcalfe. Despite not scoring last season, his presence and leadership on the field have been undeniable, with only the goalkeeper, Sam Walker, starting more games than him. Being halfway through his contract means any deal for Power would likely involve a transfer fee, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
Wigan Athletic's manager, Gary Caldwell, knows Max Power well from his previous spell in charge at the DW Stadium, having signed him back in 2015. Caldwell has openly expressed his admiration for Power, even describing him as Bradford City's "main threat" during their recent encounter in March. He highlighted how his team's game plan at the time was heavily focused on preventing Power from controlling the midfield and dictating play. Caldwell's comments underscore Power's quality and his ability to influence a game, making him a player who clearly commands respect from opposing managers, especially one who knows his capabilities intimately.
Also Read:The connection between Max Power and Wigan Athletic runs deep, extending beyond just his playing career there. Power enjoyed tremendous success at Wigan, winning League One three times across his two spells with the club - first in his initial season, again under Paul Cook and a third time with Leam Richardson after returning from Sunderland. He left in 2023 amidst the club's financial difficulties, having made 244 appearances for the Latics. His move abroad to Saudi Arabia and then Denmark before returning to England with Bradford City shows a player who has experienced different footballing environments.
Furthermore, the personal ties between Power and Wigan are significant, which could play a role in any potential transfer. Assistant manager David Perkins, Power's former midfield partner at Wigan, is the godfather to Power's youngest son. Adding to this familial connection, his eldest son, Maxi, is currently part of Wigan's academy system. This makes the prospect of a return even more appealing on a personal level for Power and his family, potentially smoothing the path for negotiations if Wigan decides to pursue him aggressively as part of their summer rebuild under Caldwell, who himself returned to the club in February.
This potential transfer also fits into Bradford City's broader plans for squad strengthening. Central midfield is an area the club is looking to bolster anyway, especially after releasing Lee Evans. While Manager Graham Alexander acknowledged that he expected interest in some of his contracted players during the transfer window, the potential departure of his captain would certainly create a significant void to fill. It's clear that both clubs are actively planning for the upcoming season and Max Power appears to be a key player in those considerations.
Stay with Mirror 7 News for all updates as they happen.
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