Barnsley FC Weekly Round-Up: Free Agent Hunt, Oakwell Redesign, Carabao Cup Tweak & Knasmüllner’s Revival
We’re halfway between seasons, the weather’s gone rogue, and Oakwell’s doors remain firmly shut. But off the pitch, there’s been no shortage of rumblings — from free agent flirtations and competition format changes, to a redesign proposal for the stadium and one former Red making headlines abroad. Let’s get stuck in.
Reds Target Free Agents Amid Budget Reality
Pre-season's nearly upon us, and while most of League One have already dusted off the chequebook, Barnsley are still working the phones. The plan, according to Chronicle reports, is to have some new faces in the building as the squad returns on June 23 — but don’t expect a flurry of £500k unveilings on the Oakwell steps just yet.
The club’s facing up to a projected £10 million shortfall over the next year, so any big-money business will likely hinge on outgoings. Davis Keillor-Dunn — top scorer, fans’ favourite, and all-round bright spark — is being watched, though it’s not clear if anyone’s willing to cough up the “multi-million” fee Barnsley want. Jon Russell’s also on the radar, with Jamaica's Gold Cup run offering him a shop window. No firm offers yet, but all signs point to at least one sale to grease the transfer wheels.
In the meantime, the Reds are hoping to strike early with free agents. Talks are reportedly well underway with a few out-of-contract targets — including centre-back Paudie O’Connor, fresh from his Lincoln City exit, and Crystal Palace stopper Owen Goodman, who helped AFC Wimbledon to promotion on loan last season. With the transfer window temporarily paused (yep, really), things should start moving again from Monday.
Internally, Conor Hourihane’s making himself heard. The new gaffer is said to be heavily involved in recruitment alongside Mladen Sormaz, with a squad “reset” on the agenda. The ambition is to strengthen across the board, but it’ll be done on a budget tighter than a matchday pie crust.
Discussions are still ongoing with Stephen Humphrys, who finished last season in fine form with five goals in his final five games. The club are keen to keep him — and fans wouldn’t mind either, judging by the reaction online.
On the youth front, defender Connor Barratt looks close to agreeing a long-term deal. The 21-year-old, who joined from Sheffield United and made a handful of first-team appearances last term, is expected to follow Kieran Flavell and Jonathan Bland in committing his future to the club.
Fixtures drop on June 26. Until then, it’s “wait and see” — but you get the feeling this summer might be more reshuffle than revolution.
???? Source: Barnsley Chronicle
Carabao Cup Adds a Preliminary Round Twist
Just when you thought the Carabao Cup couldn’t get any more chaotic, the EFL have gone and added a preliminary round for the 2025/26 season. Four clubs — Barnet, Oldham, Accrington, and Newport — will battle it out in early August to trim the numbers before the first official round kicks off.
Meanwhile, nine Premier League sides playing in Europe (you know the ones) will skip the early rounds entirely and join in round three — which will now be spread over two weeks in September. The draw for both the preliminary and first round takes place on June 26.
It’s a tweak designed to help ease fixture congestion for the big boys, but it also means more games crammed into our calendar — and possibly more opportunities for fringe players to impress. Or for us to get knocked out early. Either way, mark your diaries.
???? Source: EFL
Oakwell Revamp: Fans Asked to Share Ideas
Here’s something we don’t say often — the club actually wants our input. A new initiative called ‘The Heart of Oakwell’ is asking fans to contribute ideas to improve the matchday experience, from physical spaces to supporter culture. You can fill in a survey, attend sessions, and potentially help shape the next era of your home ground.
Now, while some might brush this off as a bit of fluff, there’s real potential here. Oakwell’s due a facelift, and if this leads to better concourses, clearer tannoy announcements, and something edible on the food menu — we’re all for it.
Just please, don’t touch the West Stand roof without a safety net.
???? Source: Barnsley FC
The One That Got Away: Knasmüllner’s Redemption Story
Remember Christoph Knasmüllner? The Austrian midfielder with the YouTube highlight reel and a barnet straight out of a shampoo advert? He arrived in 2018, made three appearances, and then vanished like a free programme on a wet Tuesday night.
Well, Football League World reckons we might’ve let a gem slip through our fingers. After departing Oakwell, Knasmüllner rebuilt his career in Austria with Rapid Vienna, later moving to Polish side Wieczysta Kraków — racking up goals, assists, and more consistency than we ever saw on Grove Street.
Was it a case of wrong player, wrong time? Almost certainly. It was a weird era. Still, it’s another addition to Barnsley’s long list of “what ifs” — alongside Diego León, Rory Fallon, and the entire 2016 loan brigade.
???? Source: Football League World
Final Whistle: Four Stories, One Familiar Feeling
New manager, new plans, and the promise of supporter involvement. There’s a faint whiff of progress this summer — but also the usual tight budget, delayed deals, and the creeping anxiety of what we’ll actually look like come August.
Will Hourihane build something out of this squad reset? Will the club listen to fans this time? And will we finally hang onto a player who hits double figures?
Hope’s back on the menu. But so is doubt — and if you're a Barnsley fan, you know exactly which one tends to show up first.