Mark Hughes has snapped up Harry Chapman in his quest for promotion at Bradford City.

Chapman was a free agent having left Rovers at the end of his contract, with the Bantams winning the race for his signature.

The 24-year-old spent three-and-a-half years at Rovers following his return on a permanent deal from Middlesbrough, following a loan spell at Ewood Park in 2017.

Chapman has spent the last 18 months out on loan, with seven goals in 24 games for Shrewsbury Town in 2021, and then featuring 30 times for Burton Albion last time.

While both of those were in League One, a division Chapman has won promotion from on three separate occasions, it is League Two side Bradford who have tied him down to a two-year deal.

“I am delighted to be here. It has been quite a while in the pipeline but as soon as I came here, looked around and spoke to the manager, I knew I wanted to make this my home for the next two years,” he said.

“The gaffer and who he is drew me immediately, and when I spoke to him about his ambitions for the club, it was something I wanted to jump on board with. 

“I am really excited for the start of the season and hopefully helping take this club back up the leagues to where it belongs.”

Chapman didn’t manage a league start for Rovers after returning in January 2019, after his loan spell in 2017/18 was cut short by injury.

Former Rovers boss Hughes, who was a surprise appointment by Bradford in February.

On signing Chapman, he said: “Harry is a player we are delighted to be bringing to the club, and is one we have had our eyes on for a number of weeks. 

“He arrives with plenty of talent and a lot of experience at what is still a relatively young age, both in the football league and on the international scene. 

“Harry is an exciting player who likes to entertain and get supporters on the edge of their seats, which I am sure you are very much looking forward to. 

“He has the ability to play in a number of different positions and is at an important stage of his career where he has the opportunity to develop further and help us achieve our goals.”

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