New Reyes Cleary and Luca Connell exit claim made as Luton Town and Derby County lurk | OneFootball

Barnsley chief executive Jon Flatman has opened up on two of his side's most in-demand players amid Championship transfer interest

Barnsley chief executive Jon Flatman has revealed the League One club's stance on selling key assets Reyes Cleary and Luca Connell amid interest in the duo ahead of the summer transfer window.

Cleary has proven himself as one of the best wingers in the third tier, notching seven goals and 13 assists in the recently concluded season.

The 22-year-old also impressed when the Tykes took on Premier League giants Liverpool in the FA Cup back in January, displaying his direct dribbling skills.

Meanwhile, Connell has proven himself to be a capable midfielder at League One level, scoring four goals and registering three assists in 41 third-tier appearances in 2025/26.

Barnsley chief executive opens up on Reyes Cleary & Luca Connell transfer interest

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Cleary provided a reminder of his strong ability in Barnsley's penultimate game of the campaign, scoring in their 1-0 triumph at Northampton Town.

Football League World exclusively revealed in March that Championship duo Bristol City and Derby County joined the transfer race for Cleary.

Derby narrowly missed out on the second-tier play-offs, and need a new winger this summer because Jaydon Banel and Ben Brereton-Diaz have returned to their respective parent clubs, Burnley and Southampton, following their loan spells at Pride Park.

Meanwhile, fellow wideman Corey Blackett-Taylor's future is uncertain, as he joined Bolton Wanderers on loan for the second half of the season before suffering an injury.

Bristol City also need to refresh their wing options after selling Anis Mehmeti to eventual promotion winners Ipswich Town in the winter transfer window.

Cleary is not the only Barnsley man who has attracted transfer interest ahead of next season, as Luton Town have eyed Connell, as per Alan Nixon on Patreon.

The Hatters narrowly missed out on a League One play-off spot and are likely to boast greater promotion credentials than the Tykes next season.

Meanwhile, discussing the aforementioned winger's future with the Barnsley Chronicle's Doug O'Kane, the Oakwell Stadium club's chief executive, Flatman, said: "Reyes Cleary will leave the club when the numbers are right for Barnsley FC. We’ve shown strength in that in January, and we’ll show strength again this summer if we need to."

As Flatman alluded to, Blackburn Rovers bid £1.5million for Cleary's services in the winter transfer window, but their approach was turned down by the South Yorkshire side, as revealed by Nixon on Patreon.

The Tykes chief executive also opened up on his club's stance on Connell's future: "We’ll listen to all offers. If it’s right for the club, and it’s right for Luca, I’m sure we’ll do something.

"If it’s not, then I’m sure Luca will be a professional under contract and play for the club."

Reyes Cleary and Luca Connell should push for Barnsley exits

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Barnsley successfully qualified for the League One play-offs in 2023 and 2024, but they have lacked ambition and quality since then, finishing 12th and 15th, respectively, in the last two seasons.

With that in mind, Cleary and Connell would be better served by leaving Oakwell Stadium this summer, amid the interest in their services.

Cleary deserves the opportunity to prove what he can do at Championship level, while suitors Derby and Bristol City can allow him to do that.

Meanwhile, Luton are keen to win promotion under Jack Wilshere, so Connell could also be playing in the second tier in the foreseeable future.