Bradford City AFC is delighted to announce the signing of defender Timi Odusina from Hartlepool United - on a three-year deal - for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old arrives at Valley Parade on a contract which will keep him in West Yorkshire until at least the summer of 2025, with the Bantams beating off competition from a number of other clubs across the EFL, following the expiry of his contract at Hartlepool.
Odusina made 43 appearances in County Durham last season, ending the campaign as Pools’ Young Player of the Year.
Born in Croydon, South London, he began his career at Norwich City after graduating from the Canaries’ academy. A loan spell at AFC Fylde saw him win the 2019 FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium, before achieving promotion back to the EFL with Hartlepool two seasons after.
The 6ft 1ins centre-back said: “It feels great to be joining a club of this stature, and is a massive relief for me to finally have this over the line.
“It is not every day you get to work under someone who has achieved what the gaffer has, both as a player and a manager, so it was a no-brainer.
“At this stage of my career, I wanted a home and an environment to nurture, and a three-year contract shows that. When you are given an opportunity like this, you have to take it.
“Every footballer wants to be involved in big games. There is big expectation, but that is a privilege, because if you are not playing under pressure, you are playing for nothing.
“It is great to see the stadium in all its glory - and to know I will be here working under the gaffer and playing for all these fans - and I cannot wait to get started.”
City manager Mark Hughes added: “Timi is another player we have retained a lot of interest in since the very start of the summer, so his signing is one we are delighted to finally have over the line.
“He is a commanding, physical centre-half who is not only passionate about defending his goal, but also very talented with the ball at his feet.
“At just 22, he is another player we have brought in on a long-term deal, who fits in with the culture and style of play we want to implement here and remains integral to our plans for the coming months and years.
“We are looking forward to welcoming him into pre-season training tomorrow, and seeing him out on the field for Bradford City next season.”
Odusina will be sponsored by VLT Logistics for the 2022/23 season, with his signing subject to the relevant EFL and FA clearances.