Barnsley FC pocket 'six-figure windfall' related to Liam Kitching deal struck with Coventry City
Barnsley reportedly secure financial boost related to deal struck with Coventry City in 2023
Barnsley have reportedly had their coffers boosted by Liam Kitching’s promotion to the Premier League with Coventry City.
The 26-year-old defender spent two years at Oakwell, making 93 appearances between 2021 and 2023.
His displays caught the attention of Coventry, who paid a fee to prise the Leeds United academy graduate from South Yorkshire.
The deal is reported to have been worth £4.5m, inclusive of add-ons, and is thought to have had a promotion clause included.
Barnsley benefit from Coventry City promotion
According to the Barnsley Chronicle, Coventry’s promotion to the top flight has triggered a six-figure payout to Barnsley.
It has been claimed the sum agreed was in the region of £1m, albeit with the caveat of Kitching’s minutes played coming into the equation for the final payout calculation.
Kitching has made over 100 appearances for the Sky Blues, 38 of which came over the course of the 2025/26 Championship season. The club Barnsley signed Kitching from, Forest Green Rovers, are also reportedly set to benefit financially.
Barnsley are said to have pocketed hundreds of thousands of pounds, which could prove useful as they look to bolster their ranks this summer.
A crucial summer ahead for Barnsley
Daniel Stendel is back at the Oakwell helm and has quite the task on his hands. Barnsley dropped into the bottom half of League One last term, finishing 15th.
Conor Hourihane vacated his post when the campaign came to a close and Stendel is now hoping to breathe life back into the South Yorkshire club.
After Stendel’s return was confirmed Barnsley chairman Neerav Parekh said: “Daniel’s return is about results on the pitch and identity. During his first spell, the club stood for high-intensity football, belief in young players and a team that supporters could fully connect with.
“That season produced outstanding performances, an unbeaten home league campaign and a group of young players who grew together and went on to reach the highest levels of the game.
“We want to re-establish that same connection between the fans, the town and the football club - a Barnsley side that plays with energy, bravery and pride. Daniel understands what this club means to people, and his values align completely with the direction we want to take moving forward.
"He demands relentless effort and a desire never to give up from his players - values we stand firmly behind as a club and a town.”