Stoke City have been rocked by a late transfer development, which could have negative ramifications for Barnsley.
The Potters currently find themselves bottom of the Championship after losing three straight matches, placing manager Mark Robins under increased pressure regarding the safety of his position at the club.
Unfortunately for Stoke, things could be about to go from bad to worse, as a result of a recent development involving star man Sorba Thomas – ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
This development could prove to be bad news for Barnsley in the final days of the transfer window.
What is the development that could impact Barnsley?
The summer transfer window comes to a close on Tuesday 1st September at 11pm (UK time), and this could result in there being enough time for Stoke City to lose winger Sorba Thomas.
According to journalist Alex Crook, Thomas is pushing for a move to Premier League side Hull City, who did submit a fresh bid with the hopes of completing a deal.
Since this update Sky Sports have confirmed that a deal between the two sides has been agreed, but there is an element of confusion after local journalist Pete Smith tweeted that this wasn’t true. This departure would push Stoke back into the transfer market to source a replacement.
The same report claimed that Stoke were keen on a move for Canadian winger Liam Miller but there are ‘no guarantees’ that he would be open to a move back to the Championship.
Similarly, Championship rivals Birmingham City and Wrexham are also interested in signing Miller. Therefore, this could force Stoke to search for alternatives and one name that would fit the profile is Barnsley’s Reyes Cleary.
Barnsley have already turned down two bids from Championship sides, worth around £3 million but are braced for further offers.
How big of a blow could this be for Barnsley?
The 22-year-old contributed to 22 goals in 50 appearances for Barnsley last season, recording more assists than any other player in League One.
So far this season, Cleary’s form has continued with four goal contributions in his first five matches in all competitions including two during Saturday’s victory over Leyton Orient.
Losing a player of Cleary’s ability would be a huge set back for Barnsley – but the timing of a possible exit would significantly increase this.
Barnsley are no strangers to losing key players on deadline day however, previously losing captain Liam Kitching to Coventry City in the summer of 2023.
Whether Cleary wants to depart Oakwell or whether anyone else will bid for the 22-year-old remains to be seen, but with the Potters set to come into a substantial fee with Thomas’ impending exit and that could create a lot of anxiety for Barnsley supporters.
