Harambee Stars utility man Clarke Oduor joins EFL league two side Bradford City

Harambee Stars international Clarke Oduor has completed his move to England’s League two side Bradford City AFC on a three year deal until summer of 2026.

“Bradford City AFC is delighted to announce the signing of Clarke Oduor, on a three-year deal, who becomes the club’s first new summer recruit.

The Kenyan international, who can operate as a winger, wing-back or full-back, arrives at the University of Bradford Stadium following his release from Barnsley, until the summer of 2026,” the club officially announced on Tuesday.

Oduor joins the club from League One side Barnsley who had confirmed that Kenyan defender will leave upon the expiry of his contract on 30 June.

Oduor had fallen out of favour at Barnsley this season and did not turned out for them since he returned in January after his loan deal at Hartlepool was cut short.

Having graduated from Leeds United’s academy in 2017, the 23-year-old moved to South Yorkshire in 2019, making a total of 57 appearances for Barnsley.

His goal against Brentford on the final day of the 2019/20 season secured Barnsley’s second-tier status for another year.

He turned out 14 times on loan for Hartlepool United last season, scoring in a 2-1 defeat at Swindon Town in October.

Oduor said: “I am excited. This is a huge club with a great fanbase, so I cannot wait to get going. I am here to hopefully help us get back up the leagues. It is a three-year contract, so I am just looking forward to kicking on here.

Could Harambee Stars skipper be heading to Netherlands?

“I signed for Barnsley four years ago and have a decent level of experience. It has been good to go out on loan and find a little bit more out about the league, so I feel I am ready to enjoy my time here.

My game is about excitement. I like to get on the ball a lot and make things happen, creating chances for myself and my teammates. That is what I am all about. Hopefully, I can get the fans off their seats. It is a fresh start for me, something new. It feels good and I cannot wait to meet the lads and get going.”

Oduor will be coached by experienced manager Mark Hughes currently in charge at the club. Hughes, had two spells at Manchester United, and also featured for Barcelona and Bayern Munich, as well as English clubs Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn Rovers during his playing days.

Omanyala set to battle world beaters Jacobs, Lyles in Paris Diamond League

He then went into coaching and has been in charge of Wales, Rovers, Machester City, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City and Southampton.

He said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of Clarke, as our first new signing of the summer. He is a versatile, dynamic player who will bring a lot of different attributes to our squad, having already amassed a great deal of experience at both club and international level at a young age.

“His time at Barnsley playing in both the Championship and League One, coupled with an impressive spell at Hartlepool last season, shows the threat he carries as well as his ability to play at a higher level.

“We are looking forward to having him meet up with the rest of the squad, and I hope you will join me in wishing him a warm welcome to Bradford City.”

Oduor, who has featured once for the Harambee Stars was born in Siaya. The pacy wingback earned his first cap in the 2-1 win over Zambia in an international friendly and made a goal-line clearance to ensure victory for Harambee Stars.

Harambee Stars report for camp ahead of Mauritius Four Nations Tournament