I always liked Metcalfe, him and Dixon made promising u21 debuts at a young age, like so many youngsters suffered with injury. I thought he may have kicked on to be of interest to Championship clubs but Bradford are ambitious so a good move for him.
He liked Lingard, was happy with Zouma after his feline antics, stood by Pienaar over the 'incidents', always played Gibson, despite him being known for being massively unprofessional. Like all managers, he picks and chooses when he questions...
Like Metcalfe, think he's a decent little player. If this is him wanting to leave to go and prove himself in the lower leagues & move up then good on him I say. Good luck to you lad.
Was it as much a thing 20 years ago? I can't really remember it actually happening that much back in the day though this may be because Moyes never went for them and transfers werent such a 24/7 online thing, now it's part of modern day football...
Would you like a more recent example x
https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/mohammed-kudus-transfer-chelsea-ajax-27390143
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ajax-kudus-train-everton-transfer-24896668
Don't see him ever making it to the prem due to his lack of athleticism but no reason he can't make a good championship player like Walsh or Ledson. Good luck to him