Bradford City is delighted to announce the signing of promotion-winning defender Callum Johnson - on an initial one-year deal.
The 27-year-old, who operates mainly at right-back, but also in the centre of defence and midfield, arrives at the University of Bradford Stadium for the 2024/25 campaign following the expiry of his contract at Mansfield Town.
Last season, he made 22 appearances and scored two goals in helping the Stags secure a third-placed finish in Sky Bet League Two, winning promotion back to League One.
He is City’s third League Two promotion-winning recruit of the summer, following the arrivals of Antoni Sarcevic and Neill Byrne earlier this month.
A product of Middlesbrough’s academy, Johnson first made his name at Accrington Stanley where, initially on loan, he went on to make 119 appearances over the course of four seasons, helping Stanley achieve promotion from League Two in 2018 and making 45 appearances the following season.
The summer of 2020 saw him move to Portsmouth where he made 40 League One appearances in the 2020/21 campaign. A loan spell at Fleetwood Town the season after was then followed by a spell in the Scottish Premiership with Ross County.
He has spent the past 18 months at the One Call Stadium, turning out 35 times for Nigel Clough’s side.
On signing for City, Johnson said: “I am delighted to be here. I spoke to the manager and knew straight away that I wanted to sign.
“Everyone will say the same, but the size of the club is really what brought me here. I have played for big clubs before and been successful. I have been promoted from League Two twice in my only two full seasons at this level, so am aiming to add a third here.
“I have predominantly played right-back in a back four and, in a back three, I can play at right centre-back as well as right wing-back. Keeping clean sheets is the main aim, but I do like to get forward and contribute further up the pitch too.
“The manager said everything I wanted to hear, and told me the way he wants to play. We have spoken about where he sees me and where I feel most comfortable, and we have the same ideas on where I play my best football.
“I am looking forward to getting going, and striving to reach our goals.”
Bantams boss Graham Alexander said: “Callum gives us great competition on the right-hand side of our team.
“He is also coming to an age now where he has got great experience while having his peak years ahead of him.
“He has played many games in the league above, and won promotion from this division twice.
“I am looking forward to working with him and he is another positive addition who is hungry for success.”
Callum Johnson will be sponsored by Leonardo Hotels for the 2024/25 campaign. For details on sponsoring a player, please email commercial@bradfordcityafc.com.
