Barnsley Football Club enter the final hours of the summer transfer window under a cloud of uncertainty surrounding star winger Reyes Cleary, while preparing for a key League One fixture against Blackpool at Oakwell on Wednesday evening.
Unconfirmed reports emerged on Tuesday that the 22-year-old has submitted a transfer request in an attempt to force a move away from the club. Cleary, who joined permanently from West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2025 and remains contracted until 2029, has been the subject of sustained interest from Championship sides throughout the year.
Bristol City are understood to have revived their interest in the player, having been linked earlier in the window. Other clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Millwall and Sheffield United have also been mentioned in connection with the former West Brom academy product. Barnsley chairman Neerav Parekh previously stated that the club had rejected multiple bids and would not sell the winger cheaply, emphasising that any departure would need to meet the club’s valuation.
Cleary has shown flashes of quality since establishing himself in the first team. A spectacular goal against Bradford City last season and a strong display in the FA Cup tie at Liverpool earlier this year underlined his potential. He added another goal in Saturday’s impressive 3-1 victory at Leyton Orient, a result that provided a significant boost to confidence under head coach Daniel Stendel.
Stendel returned to Oakwell in the summer on a two-year deal, taking charge for a second spell after previously guiding the club to promotion. The German has overseen a mixed start to the 2026-27 campaign. After a penalty shoot-out win over Wigan Athletic in the EFL Cup and a narrow home defeat to Bromley, Barnsley drew 0-0 at Doncaster Rovers before the convincing win in east London. Cameron McGeehan has been named club captain, while recent additions including left-back Ziyad Larkeche on loan from Queens Park Rangers and centre-back Connor O’Riordan from Blackburn Rovers have strengthened the squad.
The Reds currently sit mid-table in League One with four points from three matches. Wednesday’s visitors Blackpool arrive in strong form, sitting near the top of the table after an unbeaten start that included a 4-0 home win over Peterborough United. The Seasiders will also bring two former Barnsley players in Josh Earl, who joined last week, and Jordan Williams, currently on loan from Portsmouth.
The fixture was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was moved back 24 hours. Supporters are advised to check the club’s official channels for the latest turnstile, car park and ticketing information ahead of the 19:45 kick-off. Barnsley will hope to build on the momentum of the Orient result and keep Cleary focused on the pitch as the transfer window closes at 23:00 on Tuesday night.
Further home fixtures against Stevenage this weekend and Leicester City later in the month offer Stendel’s side opportunities to climb the table. With a young and energetic squad showing signs of cohesion, the coming days will prove pivotal both on and off the field for the Tykes.