Barnsley FC’s shock budget claim: Reyes Cleary & Adam Phillips surely leave Oakwell | OneFootball

Football League World takes a look at two players who could leave Barnsley this summer following the news that the Tykes are set for a smaller budget

Barnsley have struggled for consistency in League One this season, and are set to find it even more difficult to launch a serious promotion bid next term.

The Tykes endured a particularly poor March, which concluded with a 1-0 home defeat against South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers, who are threatened by relegation.

Conor Hourihane's men earned just one win in the third month of the calendar year, which came against Exeter City, who haven't won since beating rock-bottom Port Vale in January.

The Oakwell club reached the League One play-offs in both 2023 and 2024, but this campaign is set to mark their second consecutive mid-table finish.

Meanwhile, according to Alan Nixon, Barnsley are set to have one of the lowest budgets in the third tier next term, which will negatively affect how competitive they can be.

With that in mind, Football League World has taken a look at two players who will likely push to leave the Tykes this summer.

Reyes Cleary

Reyes Cleary has been one of Barnsley's top performers this season, regularly contributing assists as well as notching vital goals.

The former West Bromwich Albion winger was also a bright spark for the Tykes when they were defeated 4-1 by Liverpool in the FA Cup third round.

Predictably, those exploits attracted plenty of attention in the winter transfer window, and as reported by the Sheffield Star, Sheffield United have eyed Cleary alongside Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers.

The 21-year-old already appeared likely to leave Oakwell this summer, thanks to the Championship interest in his services, while Barnsley's financial struggles mean they are unlikely to challenge for the play-offs next season, which won't please the talented starlet.

Furthermore, Cleary signed a three-year contract with Hourihane's side last summer, meaning that they can recoup a handsome transfer fee for his signature.

His most impressive performances this season came in wins over Leyton Orient and Luton Town in December and November, respectively, as he notched two assists and a goal in both fixtures.

Adam Phillips

Adam Phillips has been a reliable performer for Barnsley ever since joining the Tykes from Burnley in 2022, and the current campaign has been no exception.

The former Liverpool youngster, somewhat ironically, made a name for himself when he scored for Hourihane's men in their aforementioned FA Cup defeat at Anfield.

Phillips proved his class in the final third last season, when he notched 10 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, and the midfielder has remained an attacking threat this campaign.

The 28-year-old's current contract at Oakwell expires this summer, but Barnsley do have the option to extend his deal by a further year.

However, Phillips may push against agreeing fresh terms with the Tykes, as his performances suggest that he is capable of playing for a higher-end League One, or even a Championship outfit.

In contrast, the South Yorkshire side's upcoming budget changes suggest that next season will not be the year that Hourihane's men finish in the third-tier play-offs for the first time since 2024.

Alongside his creative exploits, Phillips can operate in a deeper midfield role, and is a real asset for Barnsley both in and out of possession.