JON FLATMAN does not envisage Barnsley extensively tapping into the overseas market this summer following Daniel Stendel's return.

The German was appointed for a second spell as head coach last month.

Barnsley have recruited several players from Europe in the past, but post-Brexit rules mean that the scope to recruit from the continent and further afield is not as straightforward as it once was.

Elite Significant Contribution’ (ESC) criteria does allow overseas footballers looking to secure an International Sportsperson visa to play in the UK.

placeholder image — Oakwell - Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

The ESC is an FA work permit rule introduced to allow clubs to sign overseas players who do not automatically meet the standard points-based threshold for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE).

In the past, League One and League Two clubs have been allowed a maximum of two ESC slots.

On the prospect of the club utilising foreign markets, Reds chief executive officer Flatman said: "It could be, but the rules have changed in terms of ESCs and visas. When Daniel was here last time, it was pre-Brexit and now we're in the Brexit world.

"We've got the rules on ESCs changing from two down to one and I think that's going to make a difference.

Barnsley chief executive officer Jon Flatman. Picture courtesy of Barnsley FC.

"But we've got an opportunity to recruit an ESC and an opportunity to recruit outside of that as well, but I think the overseas market is becoming more and more difficult for League One due to the changes in visas."

Meanwhile, Flatman has also confirmed that Barnsley have no plans to revisit their decision to operate without a sporting director at the club.

Mladen Sormaz served in the role – which primarily revolved around recruitment - for 20 months before departing the club by mutual consent last October.

Oakwell CEO Flatman worked closely alongside ex-head coach Conor Hourihane in the 2026 winter window and this summer's window approach will see added input from academy manager Bobby Hassell in particular – alongside head coach Stendel – as the club chiefly focus on bringing in young players.

Flatman said: "There's a bit of discipline there in terms of finances as well. I think we can call on a lot of football experience in the building – with Bobby Hassell being a great example of someone who is 'football' through and through and his knowledge of the under-23s market is immense.

"Obviously he has been involved numerous times (before) and is trusted very closely by Daniel regarding football.

"So we'll lean far more on Bobby and get Bobby's input into things and we have done that. And we'll continue to.

"There's a lot of experience with Sam Collins and Nicky Eaden and all these kind of characters within the academy have got acres of football contacts and lots of football knowledge. They're keen to get involved (more) and give their opinions. So we're okay on that. And I think the size of organisation we are, that's again a discipline decision."