BRADFORD City have finally completed the loan signing of Manchester United teenager Ethan Wheatley – who has become the third striker to join the League One promotion chasers over the past four days.
Wheatley had been widely expected to join City for several weeks after being recalled from a season-loan spell at Northampton Town in the first half of January by the Premier League giants.
Official confirmation of the signing was delayed while the 20-year-old recovered from a slight injury issue picked up at the Cobblers late last year.
The Stockport-born player, who made his United debut in the Premier League in April 2024, scored three times in 25 appearances for Northampton.
New Bradford City signing Ethan Wheatley. Picture courtesy of BCAFC.placeholder image
New Bradford City signing Ethan Wheatley. Picture courtesy of BCAFC.
On his move finally getting over the line, Wheatley said: “We have been in discussions for quite a while and I am excited to get the deal done and hopefully help the lads for the rest of the season.
"I hope I can add to the side after the strong start they have made and score goals. The last couple of months at Northampton, I grew as a player and I want to continue doing that here."
City boss Graham Alexander added: "We are delighted to bring Ethan in to bolster our attacking options. He has fantastic attributes for a forward player, with plenty of League One games under his belt.
"He showed a great desire to join us when we spoke and I believe he’s going to enjoy his time with us.”
Bantams' boss Graham Alexander. Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpeplaceholder image
Bantams' boss Graham Alexander. Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe
The England youth international spent a short loan spell last season at Walsall.
Wheatley’s arrival follows on from the captures of Paul Mullin and Kayden Jackson with City significantly bolstering their options in the forward department ahead of a key run-in.
Wheatley is the club’s sixth signing of the winter window following on from Mullin, Jackson, Newcastle United loan duo Harrison Ashby and Joe White and Oxford United’s Louie Sibley.