'It wouldn't surprise me' - Barnsley reaction given as Luton Town, Luca Connell update emerges | OneFootball

FLW's Barnsley fan pundit wouldn't begrudge Luca Connell for leaving Oakwell this summer, but equally wouldn't mind if he stayed

Barnsley are set for a very busy final week of the summer transfer window, with the onus hopefully being more on adding to, rather than replacing, members of the squad.

Daniel Stendel's return to the dugout this summer gave plenty of optimism that the Reds could finally stop the rot that has been the last few seasons, where they've languished in mid-table. Indeed, the German was the last man to oversee a promotion at Oakwell in 2018/19.

There are mere days remaining until transfer deadline day, though, and so far, the Barnsley squad looks, if not weaker, definitely more inexperienced compared to what it was under Conor Hourihane last season.

Barnsley have fielded an average age of 23.3 through two games in League One this season. Right now, only five players in the Tykes squad are aged 25 or over, and one of those could still be on the way out of Oakwell before September 1.

Barnsley fan pundit reacts to Luca Connell, Luton Town interest

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It was reported on Wednesday that Barnsley captain Luca Connell was of interest once again to Luton Town, with talks reigniting following initial rumours back in May.

The 25-year-old is the current player with the most appearances for the Tykes, having played 174 games for the South Yorkshire side as he enters his fifth season.

Connell has been part of the squad during their most recent play-off surges in League One, but has also worn the armband as the club registered their lowest finishes in two decades over the past couple of seasons.

FLW's Barnsley fan pundit, Andy Symcox, acknowledges that the 25-year-old's best days at the club came in his first season, but believes he's "getting back to his best."

"There has been speculation about Luca Connell leaving Oakwell for a number of transfer windows, and it wouldn't surprise me if a club like Luton reignited their interest," he said.

"He was initially an excellent player for us, dictating play in midfield, but he has had a couple of lean seasons, possibly due to the long-term illness [which ruled him out for 3 months in 2023]. He seems to be getting back to his best, although I'm not particularly keen on his set pieces."

With it being four years now since he arrived at Oakwell, the fan pundit wouldn't begrudge Connell for wanting a change of scenery, and would wish him the best if Luton's interest materialised.

"But he is a decent player, who I would wish all the very best if his time at Oakwell came to an end," he continued. "It might be best for him to have a fresh start, but if he remained at Oakwell, I'd be happy with that."

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Football League World exclusively reported that the Tykes were interested in a move for former midfielder Herbie Kane, with his time at Huddersfield Town seemingly on the wane after spending the latter half of last season out on loan at Plymouth Argyle.

Kane left Barnsley for Huddersfield back in 2023, after contributing 13 goals and 11 assists across two seasons as the Reds finished in the play-offs in back-to-back campaigns. For the most part, the 27-year-old partnered Connell in midfield during those years.

Symcox always felt that Kane was a "quality player," even if he did feel he needed to leave when he did a couple of summers ago.

"I had a lot of time for Herbie," the fan pundit said. "Although I believe at the time he left, he needed to go to new pastures.

"If he returned, he'd get my blessing, as I always considered him a quality player and he would certainly add to the midfield."

Barnsley need to ensure they have quality depth options in midfield if Luca Connell leaves

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Connell was left out of a strong Barnsley squad as the Reds beat Crewe Alexandra 3-2 in the EFL Cup second round on Tuesday, but that was due to injury. While Barnsley Chronicle reporter Doug O'Kane stated there was interest, there's "nothing concrete" in terms of a departure.

In a squad lacking in known quality, Daniel Stendel's midfield is very solid. The German boss was able to play a middle three of Jonathan Bland, Cameron McGeehan and Patrick Kelly on Tuesday in Connell's absence.

However, with Vimal Yoganathan also sidelined, there wasn't much in terms of options outside those three. However strong they may be, there needs to be quality behind them throughout a long campaign.

In an ideal world, if Kane arrived, it would be to add to the middle core, rather than replace their captain, and at 27, he'd become the third-oldest player in the squad.

But if Connell does make the move to Kenilworth Road, the need to bring in at least one experienced head in the midfield would increase even further.