Barnsley are not willing to compromise as Championship clubs continue to circle for a deal to sign Reyes Cleary.
The Tykes’ talisman has been a highly coveted figure from second-tier sides heading into the summer window, with Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City and Derby County all previously linked with deals to sign the 22-year-old.
Barnsley Hold Firm
August has already seen speculation that the former West Bromwich Albion man may be on his way out of Oakwell, with Daniel Stendel coming out and stating he was unaware of any offers being submitted for Cleary.
Now, according to Darren Witcoop through his X account, Barnsley are still holding firm to their initial price tag for the winger, which was marked at £8 million by Alan Nixon at the end of the January window, comprising of a base £5 million figure with add-ons pushing that figure higher.
It has also been revealed that two Championship clubs have tabled bids to sign Cleary, with the highest figure reaching up to £3 million from an unnamed side.
Stendel has deployed his star player as an out-and-out striker in their opening League One game of the season against Bromley, with the Tykes lacking in options to lead the line besides summer recruit Makenzie Kirk.
Barnsley have recruited two new wingers so far this window, adding Australian prospect Clayton Taylor and Leicester City‘s Amani Richards, both on a permanent basis.
Steep Fee Keeps Barnsley In Control
Reyes Cleary has been in high demand heading into the summer, and while it is somewhat surprising that no movement has happened as of yet in terms of a sale, it seems that interest is now coming to the fore.
The winger is more than capable of prospering in the Championship following his stellar campaign at Oakwell last season, but with Barnsley aiming to maintain a competitive squad to give Daniel Stendel a stable platform to build upon, he may stay at Barnsley.
If Alan Nixon’s February benchmark of £8 million is still the price the Tykes are sticking to, then it may be too steep a price for sides like Blackburn and especially Bristol City to make a move, with the Robins already spending £9 million combined for Dom Ballard and Lorent Tolaj.
With two years remaining on his deal, Barnsley are in firm control of his future, and while a major payday would be more than ideal for a club looking to limit their expenditure over the next few seasons, their fortunes are indeed better with Cleary in their ranks, albeit remaining in his left-wing position rather than up front.
