Adam Phillips looking focused in a warm-up for Barnsley, with Graham Alexander in a circular inset

Adam Phillips looks set to join Bradford CityImago

Sources: Bradford City agree deal to sign Barnsley midfielder Adam Phillips

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

16 Jun 2026, 11:21 am

Bradford City have reached an agreement to sign Barnsley midfielder Adam Phillips for an undisclosed fee, sources have told Football Insider.

The 28-year-old will now undergo a medical at the League One club before putting the finishing touches on the deal before a formal announcement is made.

Bradford have moved quickly to agree a deal with their divisional rivals and are keen to bring players in early in the summer transfer window.

Phillips enjoyed a strong season for Barnsley last time out as he scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.

However, with one year remaining on his contract which is set to expire in 2027, they have opted to cash in on the midfielder to raise funds.

Strengthening a direct rival will come as a blow to Daniel Stendel's side, while landing a deal for Phillips is seen as a significant coup for Bradford this summer.

Why have Bradford City moved quickly to sign Adam Phillips?

Phillips has long been admired by clubs both in League One and the Championship, and his signing will be seen as a major coup for Bradford and their ambitions.

Last season, Football Insider revealed that Championship duo Swansea City and Preston North End had been keeping tabs on the Barnsley midfielder with a deal in mind.

Interest in his signature is believed to have lingered, but Bradford have now moved quickly to beat other potential suitors to a deal.

Barnsley have shown in the past that they are willing to cash in on their best players, much to the frustration of the fans, and Phillips could be the latest to move on.

Bradford, meanwhile, are planning to strengthen their squad in key positions in pursuit of promotion to the Championship after narrowly missing out this term.

Exclusive: Swansea City and Preston plot Adam Phillips offers

Luton Town agree to sign George Johnston as medical scheduled

Which other players are on Bradford City's shortlist?

Bradford are looking to be active early in the transfer window, with a clear strategy to recruit early and target reinforcements from fellow League One clubs.

Football Insider revealed on 8 June that Bradford were keen to sign George Johnston from Bolton before Luton Town moved quickly to agree his signing.

However, their pursuit of both Johnston and Phillips points to a clear recruitment strategy for the Bantams, with experienced campaigners firmly on their radar.

Both players they've targeted this summer have plenty of experience in League One and would add quality as well as know-how to their squad.

This comes after they suffered defeat against Bolton over two legs in the playoff semi-final, and they are hopeful of going one step further next season.

Adam Phillips