Barnsley's retained list offered no clues on the future of David McGoldrick, and could leave new coach Daniel Stendel with just nine players over the age of 24.

With 35-year-old defender Marc Roberts one of those set to leave, new coach Daniel Stendel could inherit a squad with just nine senior players – Mael de Gevigney, Adam Phillips, Jack Shepherd, Luca Connell, Josh Earl, Kacper Lopata, Kelechi Nwakali, Corey O'Keeffe and Jackson Smith. The club have triggered their option to extend the contracts of de Gevigney, Phillips and Shepherd.

There are no strikers on that list, with 18-goal top-scorer McGoldrick's contract set to expire next month.

The former Sheffield United forward was brought in 12 months ago by his former Derby County team-mate Conor Hourihane and after the latter's sacking, 38-year-old McGoldrick is in contract talks with the club. So too is defender Eoghan O'Connell, who signed a short-term contract in January.

RETURNING: Barnsley coach Daniel Stendel, back for a second spell next season (Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

placeholder image — RETURNING: Barnsley coach Daniel Stendel, back for a second spell next season (Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Versatile defender Tennai Watson is one of those released despite 44 appearances in the season just gone. The experienced Roberts was another influential figure in his second spell at Oakwell, but less prominent on the field, making only 12 starts in League One in 2025-26.

Andrew Dallas, Jon Russell and Max Watters will also leave at the end of their contracts. All three were loaned out last season.

Former Huddersfield Town midfielder scored 11 goals in 2024-25 but failed to make a league start last season, when three of his four goals came in cup competitions. He ended the campaign at League Two Mansfield Town.

Dallas and Watters were on season-long loans, at Conference side Southend United and Scottish Premiership Dundee United respectively.

Scott Flinders' playing contract has expired, but he will remain the club's goalkeeping coach.

Academy scholars Arley Kay, Max Rayner and Robson Woodcock have been offered first professional contracts.

Loanees Tom Bradshaw, Owen Goodman, Nathanael Ogbeta, Scott Banks and Tawanda Chirewa are due to return to their parent clubs.

SENIOR SQUAD

Contracted: Connor Barratt, Jonathan Bland, Reyes Cleary, Luca Connell, Josh Earl, Leo Farrell, Kieren Flavell, Georgie Gent, Fabio Jalo Patrick Kelly, Charlie Lennon, Kacper Lopata, Kelechi Nwakali, Corey O'Keeffe, Rogan Ravenhill, Jackson Smith, Vimal Yoganathan

Options taken/extensions: Luke Alker, Lewis Gould, Kieran Graham, Mael de Gevigney, Adam Phillips, Jack Shepherd

Released: Ben Jordison, Aston Ellard, Maxymilian Gryncewicz, Stanley Holder, Voldi Mbaya, Tom Senior, Kingston Simbai, Nathan Willis, Andrew Dallas, Scott Flinders (remains as goalkeeping coach), Marc Roberts, Jonathan Russell, Tennai Watson, Max Watters

Ongoing discussions: David McGoldrick, Eoghan O'Connell.