BARNSLEY have ended their search for a defender with League One experience by signing Malawi international Jubril Okedina on an initial one-year deal.

The 25-year-old arrives after a spell in the League of Ireland Premier Division with Bohemians, having previously made over a century of EFL appearances with Cambridge United, mainly in the third tier.

Barnsley have a further year’s option in their favour.

The capture of Okedina will boost a Reds rearguard who have shipped eight goals in their last two league matches against Plymouth Argyle and Stevenage en route to heavy dual defeats.

New Barnsley signing Jubril Okedina. Picture courtesy of BFC

placeholder image — New Barnsley signing Jubril Okedina. Picture courtesy of BFC

Okedina said: "I’ve spent about four years in League One and I’ve come up against different playing styles and different gaffers. I’ve played in various set-ups, come up against different types of strikers and I feel like I know the league really well.

"I know what it takes to be successful in this league for sure and that’s exactly what I want to bring. I want to use more experience – everything I’ve learned over the years – to really explode here and help the team in every aspect of the game.”

Okedina, who started his career in Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academy, was released by the U’s following their relegation to League Two at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

On the 6ft defender, who initially joined Cambridge on loan in January 2021, head coach Daniel Stendel commented: “We are pleased to welcome Jubril to Oakwell and add depth to our backline ahead of a demanding season.

"He has significant EFL experience and having trained with is over the last week, has settled into the group very quickly. We’re looking forward to working with him.”