Barnsley urged to take Reyes Cleary stance as Blackburn Rovers circle | OneFootball

FLW's Barnsley fan pundit has given his verdict on Blackburn's bid to sign Reyes Cleary

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Barnsley have rejected an offer for Reyes Cleary from Blackburn Rovers to start the January transfer window.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, the League One side have turned down an offer for the winger, as they look to hold onto the player beyond the winter market.

The 21-year-old has been a consistent presence in Conor Hourihane’s team so far this season, with the club sitting in the bottom half of the table.

The Tykes have a lot of leverage in these transfer negotiations, with Cleary holding a contract with the side until the summer of 2029, meaning there is no immediate need to cash in.

The forward has contributed five goals and six assists so far this campaign, impressing many with his performances in the third division.

Barnsley must take Reyes Cleary stance this January

When asked if he’s surprised about this interest in Cleary, FLW’s Barnsley fan pundit Andy Symcox claimed that it’s not come as a shock, but that he still has hopes that the player will remain with the club beyond the 2 February deadline.

He believes it will take big money to prise the winger away from Oakwell Stadium, especially as he has become such an integral part of their attacking plan this season under Hourihane.

“Most of our positive attacking options goes through Reyes Cleary on the left-wing,” Symcox told Football League World.

“It’s far from a surprise that there are other teams from a higher division that are interested in the young boy.

“I hope that we keep hold of him but, for me, we are talking a great deal of money for him.

“He’s the type of player, probably the first we’ve had since Adam Hammill, who could get people on their feet.

“So expect it to be a large fee, which obviously I continue to hope we reject.”

Barnsley are 16th in the League One table following their 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic to start 2026.

The gap to the play-off places is now nine points, meaning the Tykes will need a strong second half of the campaign in order to contend for promotion from League One.

Meanwhile, Blackburn are in danger of relegation to the third tier under Valerien Ismael.

Next up for Barnsley is a trip to face Port Vale on 4 January in a 3pm kick-off.

Reyes Cleary departure would be a big blow for Barnsley’s promotion hopes

Barnsley are still in the mix for a play-off place, but just barely, as the gap to the top six is now nine points.

But if they lose Cleary then it’s hard to see how they could overcome that gap in the second half of the campaign.

The winger is enjoying a strong season, and there’s no doubt his performances have earned him a potential move up to the second tier.

However, Barnsley should consider their options until the summer, unless a really big offer arrives, as he’s likely to be just as in-demand at the end of the year as he is right now.