During today’s press conference, Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane has confirmed that the club will be looking to find a loan for promising youngster Fabio Jalo.
According to Doug O’Kane, sports editor at The Chronicle, the club will be searching for consistent game time for Portuguese U21 international.
Jalo, who is highly rated at Oakwell, garnered interest around Europe, with The Reds previously rejecting significant bids from Italian side Lecce.
With 19 appearances and four goals for Portugal’s youth sides as well as 54 senior appearances for Barnsley, the tricky 20-year-old winger will be looking to get consistent minutes after recovering from a lengthy injury sustained at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Despite not being able to break into a Barnsley side brimming with attacking talent since his return, The Reds will be keen to find a loan that will allow him to flourish in a starting role.
Though unrefined, his qualities are evident.
He is a confident isolation dribbler with explosive on ball movement and the ability to beat his man. Despite this, his smaller stature does cause him problems at League One level, often being outmuscled by more experienced defenders.
A drop down in leagues as well as more consistent game time could prove to be crucial in his overall development.
Allowing him to become a centre piece in an attacking system will develop his overall game whilst also lifting the burden of playing for a side seeking a return to the Championship.
A loan move for Jalo is one that will benefit every party involved. Barnsley will be able to develop one of the most promising talents in their recent history.
The club that acquire him will be gaining a winger full of pace and power, with surprising end product for a prospect so young. Jalo himself will be able to learn refine his trade away from his parent club and learn what life is like as a consistent starter.
Fabio Jalo has all the qualities of a winger that can make it to the top level of football, this loan move could prove to be a pivotal turning point in his development.
Though no clubs are being rumoured to be front runners as it stands, Barnsley will be looking for somewhere that can provide as many minutes as possible.
It is also important to note the recent success The Reds have had with returning loan prospects.
Both Jonathan Bland and Vimal Yonganathan started against Premier League champions Liverpool on Monday and have been first team regulars so far this campaign. Both of which had successful loans spells away from the club the season prior.
Jalo will be set to leave the club at some point during the month, but where would you like to see him go? Let us know your preferred destination for the Portuguese youngster below.
