Barnsley are one of the teams that are aiming for success in League One this season.
However, so far this season, the Tykes have not been able to achieve this with the side currently sitting 17th in the table.
But, with January now here, the team may look to recruit to give themselves a stronger base and to help boost their league position.
This article outlines three targets that Barnsley may look towards.
The Newport born right-back has plenty of EFL experience at the young age of 23, starting out at Bristol Rovers, before making the switch to the Salop in 2024.
Here, the defender is currently playing center-half in the back three, rather than making runs down the flank at right-back.
However, from this position he has, stats-wise, found a moderate level of success.
Meanwhile, Hoole is currently averaging 3.11 tackles per 90, recovering the ball about four times per game.
As well as this, his current crossing success sits at 18% and, whilst low, it can be argued that there is an opportunity for this to develop at Barnsley, playing him down the right-hand flank, whether at right-back, or at right-wing.
Furthermore, with the increasing age of Tennai Watson, a preference to play Jonathan Bland in his natural defensive midfield position, and a lack of cover in that area.
With this in mind, Luca Hoole could be a player Barnsley keep an eye on for next season.
Should the circumstances arise that leave Barnsley with a significant enough budget to chase a top-tier talent, Rovers’ Molyneux seems to be the name echoed for that role.
Luke Molyneux began his senior career making 1 appearance in the 17/18 season, before scoring 3 in 18 for Gateshead in 2018/19.
His first big break then came at Hartlepool United scoring 16 goals in 96 appearances after making his move permanent in July 2019.
Since 2022, the Englishman has scored 36 goals in 188 for Rovers, and over the last few seasons earned himself a reputation as “one of the best wide players in the division,” according to boss Grant McCann, following a 1-1 draw to Reading back in October.
The forward would be utilised under Irishman Conor Hourihane in the opposite position to that of young talent Reyes Cleary – on the right-hand flank.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old has a combined ten goal contributions for Rovers this season, just shy of Davis Keillor-Dunn’s 12 for the season.
With Doncaster sat in the relegation zone, and likely for the drop, questions float on whether the talented wide-man would stay with Doncaster to play in England’s fourth tier, or look for a move to stay in League One.
Benn Ward is perhaps a name unknown to many Barnsley fans, having only made eight appearances before this season.
However, the 21-year-old has even found the net during his time at Stanley, scoring three in 43 for the Reds – two in 22 this season (both in open play).
The defender stands at 6ft 2′, and is a left footed center-half, with the ability of sliding in at left-back when required.
This is perhaps something that Barnsley may need to develop, with the ever increasing age of Jack Shepherd and the possible retirement of Marc Roberts come the end of the season.
Meanwhile, with his age, Ward would have time to develop into Hourihane’s system.
Furthermore, transitioning from a three at the back to a two at the back may be a challenge but, given the time and support, the young Englishman could learn to flourish within the Barnsley defence.
Ward fits the trajectory of players that Barnsley tend to look for – young, left-footed, and versatile across the back line.
Ward is proving himself at a League Two level with Accrington and, therefore, League One is the natural step-up for a player with his potential.
Meanwhile, with the help of Roberts, O’Connell, and Shepherd his game will only improve.
A player familiar with the shallow turf of Oakwell, John McAtee is a player known by the fans around the ground for his attacking prowess and top-level athleticism.
The forward joined League One rivals Bolton Wanderers in August 2024, netting 15 in 70 appearances during his time at the Whites so far, matching his goal tally in 45, whilst on loan at Barnsley under manager Neill Collins.
McAtee would more than likely be used in rotation with prolific marksman Davis Keillor-Dunn, with the ability to play out wide, and in the ten also to his strength.
However, some Barnsley fans are arguably hesitant to believe that the club would make this a permanent move come the end of the season.
Although there would be some sort of coup for the move, if the attacker impresses during his short move with the Reds.
Bolton manager Steven Schumacher said that the forward is “a confident player,” following Wanderers’ draw with Barnsley at Oakwell earlier in the season.
Schumacher also made it clear that Bolon has no intentions of selling McAtee following confirmed speculation that there was interest in the player before the start of the season.
But, knowing that Barnsley have previously enquired about the availability of John McAtee, this move wouldn’t be completely off the table, and would aid Barnsley in their quest for a top goalscorer.
