Barnsley FC transfer latest: Former Doncaster Rovers loanee signs as defensive rejig continues
BARNSLEY have completed the signing of Blackburn Rovers centre-half Connor O’Riordan on an initial season-long loan.
The 22-year-old, who spent an impressive loan spell at Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers last term, is the club’s arrival of the summer window.
The deal is an initial loan with an option to buy.
O'Riordan said: "It's a really good opportunity for me to come play at a really big club with a good fan base and just really kick on again and start playing week in week out.
"I'm a centre half who's comfortable on the ball. I'd like to be able to start off the attacks, but then obviously I pride myself on defending and keeping clean sheets because that's the most important part of my game."
Head coach Daniel Stendel added: "We're very pleased to bring Connor to Barnsley. He is a young defender with good experience for his age and has already shown his qualities at a number of clubs in the EFL. Connor is strong, competitive and comfortable on the ball, which are important attributes for the way we want to play.
“At 22, he still has a lot of room to develop, and we believe this is a really good environment for him to continue his progression. The option to make the move permanent was important for us because we see Connor as somebody who can have a big future at this football club. We're looking forward to working with him and we're delighted to welcome him to Oakwell."
Ex-Ireland youth international O’Riordan joined Rovers from Crewe Alexandra in the winter of 2024 and has since spent spells on loan at Doncaster and Cambridge United.
The Crewe-born defender joined Doncaster on a proposed season-long loan last summer.
But amid an injury crisis back at Ewood Park, his parent club invoked a break clause and recalled him at the midway point of the 2025-26 season.
He had made 19 league appearances for Doncaster.
On the outgoing front, Josh Earl completed a permanent move to League One rivals Blackpool on Wednesday evening.
The 27-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Seasiders, with the club having a further one-year option.
Earl’s switch followed on from fellow Reds defender Kacper Lopata’s earlier departure to Polish outfit Lechia Gdansk on a three-year deal.