Bradford City AFC is delighted to announce the signing of defender Lewis Richards from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old, who can operate at left wing-back, left back and in the centre of defence, has put pen to paper on an initial two-year deal at the University of Bradford Stadium, with the option of a further season in claret and amber.
He arrives having made 40 appearances in Premier League 2 for Wolves, since moving from Brentford in 2016, and turning out 21 times on loan at Harrogate Town over the past two seasons.
Richards has represented Republic of Ireland at youth level and won Wolves’ Academy Player of the Year award in 2019.
He said: “I am really excited to be here and cannot wait to get going.
“I could not say no to this opportunity, and am grateful to be spending at least the next two years here. It is a massive club, and a soon as I heard of the interest here I wanted to come.
“I like to link up play and defend as well. I will get up and down and put crosses in, and just want to do well for the team.
“I know the ambitions of the club and want to get promoted. I want to be a part of a team full of winners. I am going to get my head down in training and hopefully be successful at this club. I am looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Bantams boss Mark Hughes said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Lewis to the club, as someone we have been tracking for a long time.
“He is a strong defender in who we have identified an ability to fit into our system and style of play, with his dynamism and the physical and technical boxes he ticks.
“Having trained with us today, we are excited to be working with him and pleased to have a player of his calibre with us on a permanent basis.
“I am sure you will join me in wishing him a warm welcome to Bradford City, and look forward to seeing him in action.”
Richards will wear No.32 in claret and amber, and be sponsored by Stephen Abbott Financial Services. He is eligible to play in tomorrow’s trip to Morecambe, subject to EFL and FA clearance.