Barnsley strike transfer agreement with Middlesbrough | OneFootball

Charlie Lennon is closing in on a move to Barnsley from Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough youngster Charlie Lennon is set for a permanent move to Barnsley this January.

According to Football Insider, the Tykes have reached an agreement with the Championship side for the 19-year-old.

The youngster’s contract with the Teesside outfit is set to expire in the summer, which has led to some uncertainty over his future.

The midfielder has been unable to break into the first team squad at the Riverside, and he has not made a single senior appearance so far this season.

Lennon made his debut for Middlesbrough when he came off the bench in a 4-1 win over Cardiff City on 27 April 2024 under Michael Carrick, but he has not played for the club since then.

Barnsley close in on Middlesbrough signing

Barnsley have reportedly agreed a deal with Middlesbrough for the signing of Lennon this month.

The Tykes are seeking reinforcements in midfield, and have turned their attention to the 19-year-old, who is in the final six months of his deal with Boro.

The teenager has spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Darlington, where he has scored two goals from 19 appearances in all competitions.

But he is now set to make the step up to League One following an agreement between Barnsley and the Teesside outfit.

While his loan spell was extended by another month by the sixth tier side, that could now be in jeopardy ahead of his move to Oakwell.

It remains to be seen whether he will have any immediate place in Conor Hourihane’s first team plans, or if he will go on loan elsewhere for the second half of the campaign.

Barnsley are currently 17th in the League One table, just two points clear of the relegation zone but with multiple games in hand on all of their immediate rivals.

Barnsley move is a great opportunity for Charlie Lennon

Lennon was clearly not part of the first team plans at Middlesbrough, and his contract was set to expire later this year anyway, so this move makes a lot of sense.

The teenager has a greater chance of being involved at senior level in League One than for a promotion-challenger in the second tier.

He performed well in the sixth tier of English football with Darlington, and he should take the step up the pyramid in 2026, even if ends up going on loan to a League Two or National League side.

Barnsley offer Lennon a realistic path to first team football if he can continue to impress, so this is an exciting opportunity for him.