Barnsley FC deadline-day signing Davis Keillor-Dunn makes transfer revelation after joining from League One rivals

The 26-year-old’s protracted switch from Mansfield Town to South Yorkshire for a sizeable six-figure fee finally went through on deadline day after weeks of speculation, with the Wearsider relieved to finally become a Reds player.

He said: “Listen, it was very hard not to get excited when Barnsley come calling. It’s such a big club. My agent mentioned they were interested along with another couple of clubs.

"This one just stuck out to me and I feel it was perfect to come here.

"I have nothing but great things to say about Mansfield. What a great club and they were brilliant with me throughout the full process.

"Everyone loves a deadline-day transfer, don’t they? It was frustrating for me as I was looking at things online and stuff and I didn’t know myself what was going to happen and just had to stay professional.

"But I knew if the chance would come to play at a club like this, I’d jump at it. Nothing against Mansfield, who are a great club. But when someone like Barnsley comes calling, you have got to jump at that."

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Keillor-Dunn admits he is ready to go straightaway and is eyeing his debut against Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

The north-easterner had an outstanding 2023-24 campaign, helping the Stags to promotion and also being named in the EFL League Two Team of the Season - top-scoring with 22 goals for the Nottinghamshire outfit.

National football magazine FourFourTwo's readers also voted Keillor-Dunn as the best player in League Two and he is eager to make a quick impression with the Oakwell faithful.

He added: “I just continued training as normal (at Mansfield) and didn’t miss a session and a game. I should just be ready to mingle with the lads and go straight in.

"Everyone has been amazing. It’s a great set-up and not far from my home. I am really looking forward to getting going now.

"I’ve always known Barnsley to be a Championship club. That’s where I want to get the club to.

"I spoke to the gaffer (Darrell Clarke) and Mladen (Sormaz) and they think the same things. We just all just want to be part of a positive push. We’re looking forward to getting going and me integrated into the squad and hitting the ground running.”