Bradford City can today confirm the signing of Matthew Foulds, who becomes the club’s fifth new recruit of the January transfer window.
The defender arrives at the Utilita Energy Stadium on a permanent basis initially until the end of the 2020/21 season - following a successful trial period - after cancelling his contract at Italian outfit Como.
Born and raised in Bradford, the 22-year-old began his career within City’s academy, before a spell with Bury and four years at top-flight Everton - where he won Premier League 2 twice and the Premier League Cup.
A left-back who can also operate in central defence, Foulds said: “I am over the moon to be joining such a big club which I have supported all my life.
“Since leaving as a youngster, I always had dreams of coming back after watching the likes of Nahki Wells and James Hanson scoring goals - from the stands - so it is a bit of a dream come true, for me.
“The standard in training over the week or so I have been here has been top notch, and I have really enjoyed myself so far. The lads have welcomed me with open arms and been brilliant, so I have settled in straight away.
“It is only initially until the end of the season, but I am looking forward to showing what I can do and hopefully helping get this club where it needs to be.”
City’s joint-interim bosses, Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars, added: “We have had Matty in for the past week or so and been really impressed by what we have seen.
“His attitude and application has been first class, and he has a lot of ability with potential to get much better - while still at a young age.
“He took it upon himself to leave Como and come on trial with us, which gives a good measure of how desperate he was to join.
“With him being born and raised in Bradford, we have kept tabs on him for quite some time, and watched a lot of him during his four years at Everton - where he developed well.
“He is determined to succeed at Bradford City, so we are really looking forward to seeing him in action.”
Foulds will wear the No.14 shirt in claret and amber and is now available to sponsor. His signing is subject to the relevant EFL, FA and international clearances.