Bradford City have tied down captain Antoni Sarcevic for a further year, with the 34-year-old signing a contract extension that runs until the summer of 2028. The deal means the midfielder, whose previous contract had been due to expire next summer, will now spend at least two more seasons as a Bantam.

A leader at the heart of things

Sarcevic joined Bradford from Stockport County in 2024 and has since become one of the most influential figures in the dressing room. In 73 appearances for the club, he has contributed 18 goals, including the strike that clinched promotion out of League Two in May 2025. That moment alone has cemented his status as something of a folk hero among the Valley Parade faithful.

He was named club captain shortly before the current League One campaign began, and Bradford manager Graham Alexander has been quick to underline why keeping him was a priority.

"We need leaders and examples for people to follow, and Antoni does that every day," Alexander said. "I am very happy we get to work with him for another couple of seasons at least."

A flying start to the League One season

The timing of the announcement adds another layer of momentum to what has been a bright opening to Bradford's first season back in the third tier. The Bantams have won all three of their competitive fixtures this month, and securing the skipper's future sends a clear signal about the direction the club intend to travel.

Sarcevic himself did not hide his enthusiasm when speaking to the club's website. "I have been here for two years and they have been unbelievable," he said. "Following last season and how we have started so far this year, it is exciting and I am over the moon to be here."

Promotion pedigree that speaks for itself

What makes Sarcevic a particularly valuable asset in League One is a promotion record that few players in the division can match. He has won EFL promotions with five different clubs across his career, a statistic that tells you he knows how to perform when the pressure is highest and the stakes are real. For a Bradford side with ambitions of pushing up the table, having that kind of experience embedded in the captaincy is not a minor detail.

At 34, he is at an age where some clubs might hesitate to commit beyond a single season. Bradford's decision to hand him two additional years reflects the value Alexander and the board place not just on his quality on the pitch, but on the culture he helps to build around it. Winning dressing rooms are rarely built on talent alone, and a captain with five promotions to his name understands better than most what a collective effort looks like day to day.

What it means for Bradford's League One campaign

Bradford are building steadily after winning promotion, and the Sarcevic extension is the kind of off-pitch news that reinforces on-pitch confidence. Newly promoted clubs can sometimes find their best players attracting attention from elsewhere; locking in your captain before the window speculation starts is a sensible piece of business.

With three wins from three competitive games and the captain committed for the long term, the mood around Valley Parade heading into the heart of the League One season looks genuinely positive. Whether that translates into a promotion push remains to be seen, but the foundations appear solid.

Frequently asked

How long has Antoni Sarcevic signed for at Bradford City?
Sarcevic has signed a one-year extension, meaning he is now contracted to Bradford City until the summer of 2028, giving him two full seasons remaining at the club.
How many goals has Sarcevic scored for Bradford City?
In 73 appearances for Bradford, Sarcevic has scored 18 goals, including the crucial strike that sealed the club's promotion from League Two in May 2025.
Is Antoni Sarcevic Bradford City's captain?
Yes. Sarcevic was named Bradford City captain ahead of the current League One season, shortly after the club won promotion from League Two.