Bradford City AFC is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Ryan East, on an initial two-year deal.
The 23-year-old arrives at the Utilita Energy Stadium on an agreement which will keep him in West Yorkshire until at least the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, following the expiry of his contract at Swindon Town.
Having started his career at Reading, East moved to The County Ground last summer, making 23 appearances for Ben Garner’s side.
He spent a total of 11 years in the Royals’ youth ranks, after joining at the age of nine, becoming the club’s 50th academy graduate when making his first-team debut in the Sky Bet Championship against Leeds United in March 2019.
East said: “I am absolutely delighted to be here. It is a massive club with a proud history, and I cannot wait to get going.
“When I met the manager, he sold it to me straight away. He wants to play a style of football that suits me. I like to have the ball on the floor and move it around.
“I think my time at Swindon sets me up well to play here. We did well last year, getting in the play-offs, and I want to go one better than that. The ambition of everyone at the club is clear.
“As a player, you do not want to go somewhere and be happy to sit mid-table. You want to be winning things, and I cannot wait to start playing in front of the fans.”
City manager Mark Hughes said: “Ryan is a player we are very excited about, and are really pleased to be able to bring to the club.
“His intelligence - both in and out of possession - and reading of the game shows maturity beyond his years. He has the ability to dictate play, and fits in well with the brand of football we want to implement.
“At 23, he is still young and at a great age to develop, and we have been impressed by what we have seen of him so far in his career.
“We look forward to seeing him in action and are sure he is excited to show everyone at Bradford City what he can do.”
East will be sponsored by Stephen Abbot Financial Services for the 2022/23 season, with his signing subject to the relevant EFL and FA clearances.