MLADEN Sormaz is adamant that despite not being promoted back to the Championship, Barnsley won’t be forced to trade any of their star players this summer.
For the first time since 2005–06, the Reds are beginning preparations for a third consecutive season at League One level.
A number of important players have left the team before their existing contracts expired, severely depleting their squad.
Herbie Kane, Nicky Cadden, Jordan Williams, and Devante Cole all leave, and Barnsley is left to replace them without receiving any compensation.
It won’t be simple to find replacements of the necessary calibre, and some currently contracted players might draw interest over the off-season.
They include midfielders Adam Phillips and Luca Connell, as well as Portuguese under-19 forward Fabio Jalo.
Leading teams both domestically and outside have been keeping an eye on 18-year-old Jalo. He signed a new deal in January that will keep him in Oakwell until June 2027, with an option for an additional year.
While Phillips’ contract expires in the summer of 2026, Connell’s four-year agreement lasts until the end of 2026–2027.
“We don’t want to sell anyone in general,” stated Sporting Director Sormaz.
“With our best players, it usually takes someone to come in with ridiculous money for any of them to depart.
The good news is that we have leverage since our finest players are committed to long-term contracts.
“But we don’t want to lose anyone who can help us next season, particularly in League One’s upper division. Offers might be made; in football, it is always possible. However, we don’t intend to sell.
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During the summer window, incoming transfers are probably going to be the main focus rather than outgoing ones.
The Reds have lost key loanees John McAtee and Liam Roberts in addition to the four major exits. The team is still eager to have former captain Conor Hourihane back after his release from Derby.
“We think that defensively we are strong when you look at the core of the team when everyone is fit,” Sormaz continued. It goes without saying that we need a new left back/wing-back, a keeper, and Devante and Kane’s successors.
We wish to maintain the current staffing levels, though. A large portion of the remaining first team, in my opinion, may have an impact the following season. There will undoubtedly be some changes, but our main goal is to bring in players who are better and will enhance us first, then we will focus on what is best for the rest of the team. We are not looking for turnover for the sake of turnover.”
“Anyone who performed well last season, we are exploring that avenue,” Roberts, who is out of contract at Middlesbrough, said when asked about the possibility of a return. Whether or not they wish to return and what else is available to them is up to them.
“I believe he enjoyed himself. We’ll go to work on that.
