Barnsley‘s squad boasts talent across all age ranges, and it comes to no suprise that certain players are attracting interest from elsewhere.
Even in, what can be described as a poor first half of a season by Barnsley standards, The Tykes exude quality in areas of the pitch that other League One sides envy.
Meanwhile, with the skill levels shown by young Reyes Cleary, to the more veteran Davis Keillor-Dunn‘s goalscoring ability, attacking-wise, Barnsley seem to have skills sorted.
Recently, questions are being asked of the personnel in the defence, and the improvements that may be needed. With that being said, here are three players that I can see making a step-up in the near future.
The Barnsley captain is often considered one of the clubs most consistent players, with an average rating on 7.52 on Fotmob for the 2025/2026 season.
Since joining from Celtic in 2022, Luca Connell has made over 150 appearances for The Reds, and took the armband following the departure of higly-rated defender Mads Andersen following the clubs 1-0 play-off defeat to rivals Sheffield Wednesday under Michael Duff in 2023.
Connell is a deep-lying midfielder who often at times ‘plugs the gap’ in the Barnsley back-line.
He is best suited to teams who can support his play, with a midfielder next to him who can carry the ball forward but who can also, at times, track back and make crucial interceptions.
When talking about him as a person and player, former manager Duff said that, “His ability and his performances are there but the way he drives it and carries himself, the way he puts demands on other people, he’ll be a captain somewhere along the line.”
Duff was right in that prediction, but many believe Connell isn’t the best option for club captain. After Barnsley’s 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic, and Connell seeing red, Ben Thompson on X (Formerly Twitter) echoed many other Barnsley fans:
Overall, Luca Connell puts in the hard yards, delivering under-rated, high level performances that keep Barnsley strong, when often the players around him aren’t performing.
Jonothan ‘Jono’ Bland is a young Welsh prospect, poached by Barnsley for their academy from West Brom.
Bland made his breakthrough towards the backend of the 2024/2025 season, earning his first start in a 1-1 draw against The Latics.
Arguably his most impressive performance that season came in a 4-2 win on the road against Reading, finding himself his first goal for The Reds.
In late 2025, Former Barnsley goalkeeper Luke Steele highlighted Bland as a standout, during his time on loan at Peterborough Sports, saying that, “He had the aggression, the passion. He understood those hard yards and I can honestly say that in training he was exactly like he was on the pitch on a Saturday.”
“I think he’s a really bright lad and as long as there’s good people around him, he’s got a good future ahead of him.”
Bland will also have one eye on the FIFA World Cup 2026, as he makes more appearances with the U21s.
With midfielder Josh Sheean’s increasing age and the uncertainty of other midfielders in the set-up, Bland will be hopeful he can put in some gritty performances at Barnsley before the next Wales’ game against Bosnia & Herzegovina (26th March 2026).
The name to be expected is one of League One’s most prolific players.
Davis Keillor-Dunn is a name synonomous to EFL fans, known for his hard work, and goal-scoring prowess.
The forward signed from Mansfield Town in August 2024, and has netted 33 times in 74 appearances for The Reds in League One.
Keillor-Dunn is also not a stranger to Championship attraction, with many clubs monitoring or even making bids for Barnsley’s talisman in July, Preston, Charlton, and Middlesborough were among the reported suitors.
However, in a recent interview manager Conor Hourihane stated that, “I don’t think we’re going out there, broadly, and saying ‘Davo is available to be sold.’ That’s not right at all.”
Whilst not shying away from the rumours, Hourihane is also keeping it down to earth, noting that should a big offer arrive, “everyone has got a value, not just at Barnsley.”
Overall, Davis Keillor-Dunn has shown his ability would suit Championshp outifts.
His output in League One has been consistently at a high level, putting him up there with some of the most productive forwards in Barnsley history.
He has carried his threat across multiple sides, proving that class is permanent.
The only hesitation would be the age of the goal-scorer, at 28, he isn’t a long-term project, and doesn’t have the resale value of younger forwards. But that swings both ways.
His age also means he is in his peak years, already fully developed, and ready to contribute immediately.
In short, while his age may limit how some clubs view his long‑term upside, his proven productivity, versatility, and readiness for a higher level make a Championship move not only realistic but deserved.
