IT remains to be seen where David McGoldrick plays football in 2026-27, but one thing is for certain.

The evergreen striker is not one for putting his feet up in the close season.

Despite the Barnsley forward's senior age - he turns 39 in November - summer rest is not really an option for the self-confessed fitness fanatic.

His Reds contract officially finishes at the end of this month. There have been discussions about him extending his stay, but there is also plenty of interest in his services from elsewhere.

STILL GOT IT: Barnsley's David McGoldrick was immense for Barnsley in 2025-26 (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

placeholder image — STILL GOT IT: Barnsley's David McGoldrick was immense for Barnsley in 2025-26 (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

Given his feats last season, why wouldn't there be?

As for talk of taking it easy over the close season, he said: "I get itchy feet after two or three days.

"I've built a gym in my house and it's my safe place. I turn my phone off, I go in there for two hours.

"Mentally and physically, it's the best time of the day for me.

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: David McGoldrick of Barnsley controls the ball under pressure from Max Dyche of Northampton Town during the Sky Bet League One match between Northampton Town and Barnsley at Sixfields on April 28, 2026 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) : Mansfield Town are said to be about to out muscle Barnsley and sign forward David McGoldrick.

"I love it. It's kind of an addiction, but it's not a bad addiction to have."

Speaking in April, McGoldrick insisted that he would play somewhere next season, whether it is at Oakwell or not.

His numbers back up his judgement. He scored 18 goals last term and still has plenty to offer, both on the field and off it.

He continued: "I'm happy with my lot. I think the only - it's not a regret - but I wish I knew more (before) from how I conduct myself now.

"I wish I had known about this when I was 20 or 21.

"But that's just growing up in life. That's why I try to tell the young boys now about their life, the way they live and train, that it's not a diet you're on, it's a lifestyle.

"Being in the gym in the morning and being in the best shape.

“If you want to get a personal trainer, would you go for the one that's in shape or not in shape?

"You'll go for the one in shape because that's your craft. So you want to be the best you can be.

"If you want to be the top at your nine to five job in the office, you're going to have to work your hardest to get to be the CEO.

"So why in football do you not work your hardest to be the best you can be each one, each day to get to the top, which is the Premier League, that's what everyone wants to play.

"I wish I knew that when I was younger, but you learn that through life.

"Passing that knowledge on to younger kids is just invaluable because I like giving that to to the younger players in the team."