Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel has revealed he is on the lookout for an experienced striker to round out his forward options for the season.
The Tykes were forced into a rebuild of their options up front in the wake of Davis Keillor-Dunn’s mid-season exit to Wrexham and the subsequent contract stand-off with David McGoldrick, which ultimately saw him head to Mansfield Town.
Stendel Reveals Search Continues
While business was made in the summer, including the loan signing of Makenzie Kirk and the deadline day addition of Ben Toure, there is still some concern from Daniel Stendel that he does not have enough experience in his forward line.
Speaking to the press ahead of their weekend game against Plymouth Argyle, the German boss admitted he was keen on a final, experienced option to support Kirk and Toure through the remainder of the season. (Quotes via Yorkshire Post):
“I think it is not a secret that we are still looking for a goal-scorer. But again, it is really difficult to find one. A free agent and (someone) ready to play.
“But it doesn’t matter, we are looking for a striker. When one is there and it is a good opportunity to bring him in the club, we can do it.
“But we (currently) play and train with the squad we have.
“We need the right quality and characters. The norm is that players who are free at the moment free have some history of maybe injuries.
“We have to decide if it’s a bigger chance that they can improve our squad and help, then we look for the negative sides.”
What Options Are Available To Barnsley?
While Makenzie Kirk is shaping up to be a solid striker for Barnsley this season, it seems that between him and Ben Toure, Daniel Stendel is not convinced that they alone can carry the club through the season.
That inexperience is a clear concern for the Tykes boss, and while Reyes Cleary can deputise if called upon, keeping him out wide is where he functions best, and therefore adding a final free-agent addition to their ranks is the ideal solution.
They may not have to look far for a perfect solution to their worries, with one option standing out above the rest without having to convince a player to relocate, and that comes in the form of Billy Sharp.
If they can convince him to cross yet another South Yorkshire divide in the wake of his exit from Doncaster Rovers, he is someone who fits the profile of what Stendel is looking for, and will come to the club having scored 14 goals across all competitions last season.
A former top scorer in League One could also come under consideration, with Will Keane still on the search for a new club after failing to earn a new contract with Reading.
Having spent much of his recent career in the North, convincing the 33-year-old to head back to the area might be easy, but whether he can contribute enough goals to the Barnsley squad may be the decisive factor if he is to be considered.