(Credit: Bradford City AFC on YouTube, Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 31 May 2026 12:51, UK

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Wigan Athletic are lining up a move to sign Bradford City star Max Power in the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

The 32-year-old has featured heavily for Bradford this season, making 51 appearances across all competitions as his side reached the League One playoffs.

However, after a 2-0 defeat over legs in the semi-final against Bolton, Wigan are hopeful of setting up a reunion for the midfielder when the window opens.

Power has enjoyed two previous spells at the Brick Community Stadium and could now be lured back to the club where he remains very highly thought-of.

His contract at Bradford is set to run until 2027 as things stand, and they could be tempted to cash in if any incoming offer from Wigan is deemed suitable.

“For the first season back (from League Two), there’s been a lot of good but what’s important is we don’t sit on that.”

Captain Max Power summarises Bradford City’s season after play-off defeat to Bolton, and hopes the club can build-on their progress moving forward.#BCAFC pic.twitter.com/2DBfMNq5X3

— BBC Sport West Yorkshire (@BBCWYS) May 14, 2026

Could Wigan sign Max Power from Bradford City?

After Wigan comfortably avoided relegation this season despite some scares and dips in form, they are now preparing to strengthen their squad this summer.

Power has long been admired by the club’s hierarchy as well as the fans, and is seen as a top option to bolster in midfield, an area which has become key.

His prior spells with the Latics in 2015-2019 and again in 2021-2023 have made him a firm fans favourite, and bringing him back for a third time would be a popular move.

Power remains more than capable at League One level after playing a key role in Bradford’s promotion push and would be seen as something of a coup for Wigan.

Gary Caldwell is keen to avoid the issues they struggled with this season and hopes to make major improvements to his squad when the window opens.

Wigan Athletic set for busy summer window

Despite Wigan planning to strengthen their squad this summer, they are also expected to lose a couple of players, including star striker Joe Taylor.

Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that Ipswich and Stoke want to sign Taylor and had been keeping a close eye on his performances at Wigan.

The striker enjoyed a productive loan spell with the Latics, where he scored 11 goals in 22 appearances, but is now set to return to Huddersfield Town.

Taylor is under contract at Huddersfield until 2029, having arrived from Luton Town last summer, but could be allowed to move on as he is not part of their plans.

However, it is unlikely he will return to Wigan, forcing the club to consider new options as they eye major improvements to their current squad.