South Yorkshire sides Rotherham United and Barnsley are going head-to-head for a Championship midfielder’s signature. The two sides aren’t the only ones interested, though.
Despite being separated by a division, the Millers and the Tykes are both keen on signing a Wales U21 player.
Wrexham’s Harry Ashfield is set to look for a move elsewhere to continue his development after a promising spell on loan at Cheltenham Town last season.
Rotherham United, Barnsley and Peterborough United Bid for Harry Ashfield
Pete O’Rourke shared on his X account that Wrexham’s 20-year-old midfielder Ashfield is keen to leave the Red Dragons this season. It’s been reported that his desire to leave is because he believes his pathway to first-team football is blocked.
If a move comes to fruition, the Welshman won’t be short of options. Rotherham United, Barnsley, Peterborough United, Gillingham, and St Mirren have all made offers to sign Ashfield.
Peterborough, Barnsley, Rotherham, Gillingham and St Mirren have all made offers for Wrexham midfielder Harry Ashfield. The Wales U21 international is keen to leave Wrexham as he feels his pathway is blocked. #WxmAFC #pufc #barnsleyfc #rufc #gills #smfc pic.twitter.com/tDCOYcOo4b
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) August 27, 2026
Impressive Loan at Cheltenham Town
Ashfield spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two side Cheltenham Town. It was the youngster’s first real taste of first-team football, but he didn’t look out of place.
He played 17 games, receiving an average Sofascore rating of 6.72. In his short spell there, he scored two goals and picked up one assist.
Ashfield’s best display came against Walsall. He received an eight rating from Sofascore and picked up the Man of the Match award. The midfielder ended the game with a pass accuracy of 69% and also scored one of his side’s four goals.
Is a Move Right for Ashfield?
When you look at the talent Wrexham have in midfield, you can understand why Ashfield would feel his pathway to the first team is blocked. He’s up against the likes of Lewis O’Brien, Matty James, and Oli Rathbone – to name just a few.
He showed some promising signs for the Red Dragons in the EFL Cup last season, but still that wasn’t enough to play more than eight Championship minutes, and he is yet to be in the matchday squad this season.
A move at this time in his career, after a good loan, makes sense for Ashfield if he wants to continue his development on the field.
