JUST IN: Yesterday, the roof of Barnsley Stadium collapsed, leaving over 120 people injured and over 80 people dead.

Barnsley Complete Signing Of Championship Defender

Barnsley have completed the signing of a former Championship defender as their preparations for the 2024/25 League One season continue.

With new manager Darrell Clarke now at the helm, Barnsley can continue to push for a return back to the Championship next season and they’ve added another defender to bolster their ranks.

The defender in question has progressed within the youth systems at Sheffield United and Birmingham City, whilst also featuring in Non-League loan spells including a stint with play-off finalists Solihull Moors.

Barnsley FC: 14 Football Club Facts - Facts.net

Barratt arrives at Oakwell

In a statement posted to the club’s website, Barnsley confirmed the signing of several players to their U21s, with the most recognisable name being centre-back Connor Barratt.

Barratt can operate as a centre-back or right-back has first-team experience in his locker and is the most likely to be able to provide initial competition for the first-team squad this season.

How did Barratt fare last season?

U18 PLAY-OFF REPORT | Barnsley 2 Charlton 2 (6-5 pens) | Charlton Athletic Football Club

The 20-year-old suffered very limited game time last season, featuring just once in the National League for Solihull Moors, which came during a 1-0 defeat against Aldershot Town in the match that ended Andy Whing’s 14-match unbeaten streak in charge.

However, he did feature on a handful of occasions for Sheffield United’s youth teams last season but was released by the former Premier League side after his contract came to an end last month.

Is Barnsley the right move for Barratt?

U21 PREVIEW | Charlton v Barnsley | Charlton Athletic Football Club

Location-wise, Barrett is unlikely to have to move, given the two clubs are located roughly 16 miles apart.

Barnsley feature in the same youth league as Sheffield United too, meaning his move to Oakwell hasn’t seen him drop down any divisions.

Barratt has signed for a club who have a strong reputation for developing talented individuals with examples including Everton’s Mason Holgate, Luton’s Jacob Brown, Southampton’s James Bree and England international John Stones.

Callum is a Coventry City supporter but a dedicated lover of the EFL & Non-League football as well as gaming. He has written for various sites before joining The Deck and is currently the Head Of Writing at the site as well as the Head Of Football content. You can find Callum on Twitter (@CallumTDUK or @CalMosYT) depending on whether Football or Gaming is your thing.