“Rising Star Brandon Cover Heads to Port Vale: City Midfielder Secures Key Loan Move for Senior Development”
City’s first deadline day deal has seen young midfielder Brandon Cover move to League Two club Port Vale on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old, who made his debut for City last season under Enzo Maresca, will now gain his first extended experience of senior football at Vale Park. He is the third City player to go out on loan this week, following Sammy Braybrooke’s and Amani Richards’ moves to Dundee and Exeter respectively, with more loan moves expected.
Already capped at the senior level for Jamaica, Cover played every minute of City Under-21s’ Premier League 2 campaign last season. Though primarily a defensive midfielder, he also filled in as a full-back, transitioning into midfield when City had possession, reflecting the first team’s tactical approach.
Cover’s performances earned him a call-up to Maresca’s senior squad, where he made his debut during the 3-0 FA Cup win against Birmingham in January. This summer, he trained with the first team under Steve Cooper and played in some early pre-season matches.
Now heading to Staffordshire, Cover aims to feature regularly for Port Vale and gain valuable experience. Vale currently sits mid-table in League Two with one win, one draw, and one loss from their first three games after being relegated from League One last season.
Vale manager Darren Moore expressed his excitement, stating: “I’m thrilled to have Brandon at Vale Park. This deal has been in the works for a few weeks, and I’m pleased to finally see it through. He is a versatile and combative player who enjoys having the ball, and I’m confident he’ll be a great asset to the team as the season progresses.”