Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel has praised star winger Reyes Cleary’s professionalism after a tumultuous end to the transfer window for the 22-year-old.
It was reported that with just hours remaining, the former West Bromwich Albion man handed in a transfer request, amid interest from several Championship clubs, including Millwall and Bristol City.
Several clubs had entertained potential swoops for Cleary throughout the summer, but none matched Barnsley’s high valuation, keeping their talisman at Oakwell for at least the next few months.
Stendel Gives Cleary Verdict
Having stayed put past the 11pm deadline, he was immediately reintegrated back into the Tykes squad, and played the full ninety minutes in their 2-1 win over Blackpool last night.
Speaking to the Barnsley Chronicle about the fallout from his late transfer request and his inclusion in his starting lineup, Daniel Stendel was full of praise for his winger.
“A lot of things were possible in the last day, in the last hours, but he’s the player from Barnsley, and it was no question that he’d start today.
“He wanted to play and help the team. This is also a sign for his character. I think he has every chance to show everybody in the country he is a really spectacular player.
“And I want to improve him when I work with him. I’m happy that he’s still in the club. I think he’s also really young and it’s also not so easy for him, the situation. A lot of voices around him, but I think the reaction today on the pitch was a really good reaction.”
Cleary has already got off to an excellent start in his second season in South Yorkshire, with two goals and two assists to his name across six appearances so far.
Situation Unchanged For Cleary
Despite a late attempt to secure a move away from Barnsley, Reyes Cleary is now locked down in League One for the next few months at least.
It was arguably too late for him to try and get a move away from Oakwell, with many clubs having already come to terms with missing out, or pivoting to other targets on Deadline Day.
Now, for the second straight window, Cleary remains at the club despite Championship interest, and like the previous time, it is very out of character for him to down tools and that has already been reflected in a solid performance against Blackpool.
It is up to him to continue delivering on the pitch, and with the club adding some late additions, including a new striker in Ben Toure which will allow him to contribute better in his regular wing role.
January should see this particular transfer saga heat back up again, but for now, Barnsley have a key player as part of their attempts to rise back up the League One table, and one who is committed to helping the club out as much as possible.
