BREAKING: “Huge Blow” as Barnsley to loan out one of three key-defenders this summer for cash considerations

According to a report by the Barnsley Chronicle, Barnsley “may” loan out one of Barry Cotter, Kyran Lofthouse, or Corey O’Keeffe for the upcoming campaign.

After losing to Bolton Wanderers in the play-off semi-final, Barnsley is preparing for a new season in League One. The Trotters then fell to Oxford United 2-0 at Wembley over the weekend, with two goals from Josh Murphy.

 

Since they fired Neill Collins last month, the Tykes are currently without a permanent manager. Martin Devaney served as interim manager at the end of the previous campaign, and the team is currently looking for a replacement.

The Barnsley Chronicle reports that because they don’t actually need three right-backs in their lineup, the Yorkshire team may look to make a temporary exit for Cotter, Lofthouse, or O’Keeffe this summer. Removing one would make room and money available to add a new player in a different role.

Defender strategy for Barnsley

Cotter is under contract at Oakwell until June 2026, having been signed by Barnsley back in January 2023.

During the previous season, he participated in 40 games across all competitions and scored four goals.

The former Ipswich Town player was a Shamrock Rovers player in Ireland before joining his current club.

 

 

The 23-year-old Lofthouse signed a three-year contract with the Tykes in July of last year.

He has only made three appearances for their first team, though. In order to gain some experience in the game, he was loaned out to Gateshead and then MK Dons last term.

The Oxford native began his playing career at his hometown team Oxford United before spending two years at Woking in the National League.

Regarding O’Keeffe, he joined Barnsley shortly after leaving Forest Green Rovers, and he has been a consistent player ever since.

The former Birmingham City academy product, who has also played for Mansfield Town and Rochdale, has three goals in 45 games for the Tykes.

Who is going to leave Barnsley?

It seems like Lofthouse is the most probable of the three players to go out on loan.

Under Collins, Cotter and O’Keeffe both had a lot of playing time last term, so it would be shocking to see one of them leave.

Nevertheless, the choice will ultimately be made by the person Barnsley hires to be their new head coach.