Blackburn Rovers have reportedly agreed a deal to sell backup goalkeeper Joe Hilton to Bradford City.
The 25-year-old is the third choice option at Ewood Park behind Aynsley Pears and Balazs Toth and has only made one senior appearance for the club in his career last season. The club signed him from Everton’s academy back in 2019.
Bantams Strike Deal
According to a report from Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rovers have struck a deal with League Two side Bradford City for Hilton with six months left on his contract. He would come to the club as competition for current first choice Sam Walker, who has been a largely solid figure between the sticks.
Hilton has only played 27 senior games in his career, the majority of which came with Hamilton Academical during their time in the Scottish Championship. He has also played twice in League One for Fleetwood Town.
His most recent loan spell came for Northern Premier League side Macclesfield FC, where he played five times last season for former Derby County midfielder Robbie Savage.
Writer’s View
It seems like the best for Blackburn and Joe Hilton to part ways. The 25-year-old has not been given a chance at Ewood Park and this reported move to Bradford gives him a fighting chance of becoming a starting choice somewhere else. Bradford City is a great opportunity as Sam Walker and Colin Doyle are well into their 30s and Hilton seems likely to become the long-term first choice for Graham Alexander’s team. Walker, whilst very reliable this season, has not been perfect and the former Fleetwood Town man can cause Alexander some selection headaches should he come in and train well. For Blackburn, Jack Barrett has been their starting keeper for the academy side and will likely make the step up as cover when needed.
