Barnsley FC told not to sell "glue that holds the team together" | OneFootball

The midfield pair are vital to the Tykes' season and must not be sold.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Barnsley have recovered from a slow start to the season to put themselves in contention for a play-off position by the end of 2024.

It's been an up-and-down year for the Tykes, and is one that they will be looking forward to end on a high after finding wins hard to come by on a consistent basis.

A poor run at the end of the 2023/24 campaign nearly saw them drop out of the top six completely, but they recovered on the final day to set up a clash with Bolton Wanderers, one that they lost.

Nevertheless, Barnsley will soon be able to put this year behind them, and they will already be looking ahead to the January transfer window to make the changes that they need, but there could also be interest in a couple of their own stars.

Midfield duo named in transfer debate

While the Tykes' squad does not have the same quality in it as there has been in the past, there are a number of talented players.

Darrell Clarke will be hoping to keep hold of his key stars next month to ensure that his team have a chance of fighting for a return to the Championship after being relegated in the 2021/22 campaign.

Football League World has asked their Barnsley Fan Pundit, Andy Symcox, which player he believes is invaluable to the Yorkshire club, and must not be sold, with the Tykes supporter struggling to pick just one.

He told FLW: "Regarding players that are invaluable for Barnsley and should not be sold in the January transfer window, I would suggest both Adam Phillips and Luca Connell.

"Connell is the captain and takes most of the free kicks and corners. He is the glue that holds the team together. However, very recently Kelechi Nwakali has come to the fore in the defensive midfield position, and he's making a strong claim to retain his place with Connell playing further forward."

Andy continued: "Phillips is another player who I would suggest should not be sold as he is invaluable to the team. He's not had the greatest of seasons so far, but he is an intelligent player in that he can pick out a pass that others don't even see. He has a powerful shot and can whip a ball into the box in a way that nobody else within the squad can."

Connell has been a bright spark for Barnsley this season

After struggling with post-viral fatigue at the start of last season, Connell has shown what he can truly do when fully fit in 2024/25.

He has scored twice for Barnsley this campaign, including a fantastic free kick from long distance against Burton Albion in a 2-1 win at the Pirelli Stadium in September.

At just 23, the future is incredibly bright for the midfielder, and he has proven that he can adapt and play in a more forward role when required. Coupled with his fantastic tackling ability, Connell could help lead the Tykes to a surprise promotion.

Barnsley need the likes of their captain to maintain high standards throughout the next few months, and if they do reach the play-offs it will be a successful season. However, they must not pass up the opportunity of promotion for the third year in a row.