Barnsley FC summer transfer latest: Young Manchester City defender joins on full-time basis
BARNSLEY have signed young Manchester City defender Isaac Smith on a permanent two-year deal – with a further year extension in the club’s favour. .
The 20-year-old had a loan spell with the Reds under-21 squad in the second half of last term and he has now signed on a full-time basis with the original deal having an option to make it permanent.
Smith originally joined the club in the January transfer window alongside China under 23s international midfielder Xu Bin, who headed to Oakwell from Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan.
Smith was a key part of City’s Under-18s side that clinched the league title during the 2021/22 season, also making his debut for the club’s Elite Development Squad (EDS) in the same campaign.
Smith continued his progression in Premier League 2 with City’s EDS, although his development was temporarily disrupted by a serious injury sustained during the 2023-24 season.
The defender has also represented England at under-17 level, earning four caps.
Smith said: “I just want to build on what I started here.
"I feel like people have trusted me to do a job, and I want to do it properly.
" I’m really happy to get the deal done, and now it’s about playing as many games as I can, improving, and helping the team win matches.”
Head coach Daniel Stendel added: "Isaac is a player we’ve been aware of for some time.
"Although we’ve only had a few days working together on the training pitch, I’ve watched a lot of his performances through video.
"He is comfortable on the ball, reads situations well and has the attributes we value in a centre-back.”
Speaking about Smith shortly after he signed early in the new year, academy chief Bobby Hassell said: "Isaac Smith is a free hit. He’s been out two and a half years at Man City. He’s been back quite a while, but needs minutes.
"They supported us by letting him come here on a free loan.
"It’s really a trial to the end of the season. But I think he’s got a real chance. We have an option to make it permanent.
"You’d probably say he’s a bit old school in the way he defends. He’s really aggressive. He’s obviously good in possession, which you’d expect.”