Barnsley facing Luca Connell dilemma as Luton Town lurk - "It doesn’t sit right with me" | OneFootball

Luton Town are interested in signing Barnsley captain Luca Connell in what could be a busy window for the Tykes under new boss Daniel Stendel.

Barnsley have confirmed the return of Daniel Stendel as their manager, with the German hoping to record another promotion with the club after the success of his first stint in South Yorkshire.

However, it’s fair to say that Stendel is inheriting a Tykes squad that isn’t on the same level as the one he previously had, so the summer transfer window is going to be huge.

It remains to be seen what sort of budget Stendel has to work with, but Barnsley haven’t been big spenders in recent years, so there is a feeling that some high-profile departures could have to fund major incomings.

Barnsley told to keep Luca Connell around amid Luton Town interest

Reyes Cleary is the standout player at Oakwell, with FLW exclusively revealing there is Championship interest in the attacker, whilst Luca Connell is another player seemingly attracting attention.

It has been claimed that Luton tried to sign the midfielder in January, and although that didn’t materialise, they are ready to return for Connell this summer.

The prospect of selling the skipper has divided opinion among the Tykes support, but, when quizzed by FLW about Connell’s future, Barnsley fan pundit Andy Symcox made it clear that he would keep the ex-Celtic man, who he backed to flourish under Stendel.

“There seems to be quite a few Barnsley fans on social media who would be happy for Luton’s interest in Connell to be real, to provide some funds for Stendel to strengthen the squad," Andy told FLW.

“I’m personally not one of them. I think being the captain, and, in the main, our dead-ball ‘specialist’ has taken its toll on him. For me, it’s ironic that those happy for Connell to leave are expecting £1 million to £1.5 million for him.

“If we turn it on its head, would Barnsley pay that fee for a player? Or for a few players? I wouldn’t have thought so. So, wanting to sell a player of that calibre doesn’t sit right with me. I think Stendel could get a new tune out of Connell next season.

“Time will tell, and if Connell wants to go, he should go. But, I for one, would prefer him to stay, and to see what happens with his form under Stendel.”

Barnsley must back Daniel Stendel in the summer transfer window

As outlined above, there are different points of view about Connell, but most would agree that if he can rediscover his best form, he could be a major player for Stendel next season.

At his best, the 25-year-old has the ability to control games in the third tier, which is why Luton are pushing to sign him.

But, Barnsley will have to make some tough decisions, and ultimately, it’s all about giving Stendel a squad that can challenge for the play-offs, at a minimum, next season.

To do that, some sales will be required, and then it’s about using the money wisely and improving the group as a whole, which Barnsley haven’t done well enough in recent years.

So, Stendel and the recruitment team have some big decisions to make, and it will be very interesting to see where Connell is playing his football next season, and what the Barnsley