Exclusive: Bradford, Doncaster, Northampton make moves to sign Dean Campbell
Bradford City, Doncaster Rovers, Northampton Town and Stevenage have made contact about signing Barrow midfielder Dean Campbell, sources have told Football Insider.
Campbell is set to become a free agent this summer upon the expiry of his contract at Holker Street, and the 24-year-old has been a regular with 78 League Two appearances and five goals across two seasons.
League One new boys Bradford and Doncaster, as well as Northampton and Stevenage – who finished 19th and 14th in the third tier respectively – have all registered their interest in the former Aberdeen man.
The left-sided central midfielder has captained Barrow this season with 39 appearances across all competitions, but sources have told Football Insider that he’s now set for a move up the EFL ladder.
Dean Campbell given pick of clubs ahead of Barrow exit
Former Scotland youth international Campbell made his Aberdeen debut at just 16, and previously spent time with Stevenage on loan from the Dons in 2022–23 prior to his move to Barrow the next summer.
There are no guarantees that the Pittodrie academy product will choose a move to his former club as he looks for a third permanent home this summer, but League One is the most likely next step for Campbell.
Campbell isn’t the only Barrow player set to have several admirers in the window, and Football Insider revealed in January that Bristol Rovers, Shrewsbury and St. Mirren are keen on defender Theo Vassell.
League One clubs keen to splash cash in Campbell chase
Bradford and Doncaster’s promotions to League One could provide the financial windfall needed to sign Campbell, with Rovers hopeful they can keep hold of on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe.
The Bantams may have only snuck into the third-tier on the final day of the regular EFL season, but will point to the likes of Tayo Adaramola as another younger player whom Graham Alexander can improve.
The two Yorkshire clubs both have upward momentum and could provide Campbell a similarly smooth path up to League One, but it’s unclear if they’ll be able to beat the more established Stevenage and Northampton to the Scot’s signature.