Exclusive: What Don Goodman has said about Barnsley signing ex-Notts County ace David McGoldrick | OneFootball

Don Goodman has called Barnsley's move for veteran striker David McGoldrick an "astute signing."

Ex-Sunderland striker and Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has been left impressed with Barnsley's signing of free agent forward David McGoldrick.

The Tykes have had a frustrating window so far, with just four signings made thus far, and key players such as Davis Kellior-Dunn, Luca Connell, and Jon Russell all linked with moves away from Oakwell.

Their latest addition was free agent striker McGoldrick, who penned a contract with the Yorkshire side after departing Notts County at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 37-year-old has proven to be a reliable source of goals over the last two seasons at Meadow Lane, but left the club upon the expiration of his contract to play at a higher level, after the Magpies failed to gain promotion to League One.

Reaction from Barnsley supporters was mixed, with some delighted by the addition of such a clinical striker, whilst others questioned the ambition of the club signing a 37-year-old free agent, who'd been playing League Two football the last couple of seasons.

Don Goodman believes David McGoldrick is a strong addition for Barnsley

Following Barnsley's confirmation of McGoldrick's signing, Football League World spoke exclusively to former Sunderland striker turned Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman, gathering his thoughts on the signing of the veteran striker.

Goodman told us: "I think it's a good signing for Barnsley.

"I know he's 37, but when you look at the fact that he's played 30-odd games in the last two seasons for Notts County, he's clearly looking after himself, and being able to stay fit enough on a fairly regular basis.

"What he'll bring to Barnsley are some brilliant qualities in terms of his leadership, both on and off the pitch, vast experience, and of course, he knows Conor Hourihane from their days playing for Ireland together.

"I think it's quite an astute signing, [it's a] free transfer, and not a lot of risk attached to it from Barnsley's perspective," Goodman concluded.

Barnsley mustn't write off David McGoldrick

When a club signs a player in the twilight of their career, questions are always raised about whether the player in question has still got what it takes to perform week-in-week-out, and that's the case here.

Whilst McGoldrick's age will be an off-putting factor for some Tykes supporters, they must look beyond this, as his strike rate over the last couple of seasons for Notts County has been excellent, racking up 29 league goals.

Fitness clearly hasn't been an issue for the Irishman either, as in both of his League Two campaigns for the Magpies, he managed over 35 matches, making him a reliable option, even during the swansong of his playing days.

As Goodman mentioned as well, McGoldrick's plethora of experience will be a great asset on and off the pitch, helping younger strikers such as Reyes Cleary themselves into much better players, and with it being a free transfer, there is little risk involved for Barnsley.