Barnsley FC chief Daniel Stendel's transfer hope as business continues at Oakwell in both directions
BARNSLEY head coach Daniel Stendel is keeping his fingers crossed that the Reds' remaining pieces of incoming business are not determined by outgoings as the clock ticks down to Tuesday night's deadline.
The Oakwell outfit have covered their central defensive bases with the loan arrival of Blackburn Rovers centre-half Connor O'Riordan, with his signing following the departures of defenders Josh Earl and Kacper Lopata.
Midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has also finally left the club after a difficult two years in South Yorkshire, while the Reds are also seeking to move on left-back Georgie Gent – who has interest – before the window.
The future of key trio Reyes Cleary, Luca Connell and Patrick Kelly is likely to remain under the microscope until the window shuts following summer speculation.
Kelly has been linked with Leicester City, although Stendel is adamant that the club have 'no interest to sell him'.
The Reds boss is keen to bring in a frontline striker and remains hopeful that a new addition will arrive at some point over the weekend.
He said: “When we announce something, then I'm happy.
“We're still waiting for the answer to those questions. But I believe something will happen over the weekend.”
Stendel is keen on other additions alongside a fresh striking option as he seeks to flesh out a squad which remains pretty thin.
He continued: “When you look at the squad on Tuesday, we had three under-18 players and three under-21 players in the team. I think our squad is at the moment not so big that we have to say we bring players out before we can sign new players.
“But in the end, it's not my decision. The club has to decide which is the right way, but I believe we have to bring players in (and) it doesn't matter what happens with other players.”
Stendel expressed his happiness at the signing of O'Riordan, who spent an impressive loan spell at Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers last term.
The 22-year-old is the club’s tenth arrival of the summer window.
The deal is an initial loan with an option to buy.
Stendel added: “Especially when Josh Earl left the club, we needed to replace (him). He was a long-time target.
“We are happy that we get him. I think he will help us to improve as a team and group. And hopefully also our style of play.
“He's a young defender who is (capable of) defending well in a high line and one against one.
“I think it's a good pairing with him and Sam Gale.”
Meanwhile, midfield outcast Nwakali has left the club by mutual consent to join Cypriot outfit Omonoia 29M.
The former Nigeria international, pictured, was not part of the first-team plans under Stendel, with the club having been keen to move him on since the 2025 summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old – whose deal was up next summer – made 30 appearances for Barnsley, including 12 league starts in the 2024-25 season.