[themaclad]

Barnsley have signed former Shamrock Rovers utility player Neil Farrugia on a free transfer.

He has signed a two-and-a half-year deal with the Reds, subject to international clearance, following the expiry of his contract with the League Of Ireland club.

The 25-year-old, who can play in either wing-back role or further forward, is not eligible for Saturday's home game against Crawley Town.

Farrugia made over 120 appearances for Shamrock Rovers, the last in a 5-1 Europa Conference League defeat by Chelsea on 19 December, and has represented Republic of Ireland at Under-18 and U21 levels.

"Neil had a good number of options but he sees an opportunity to progress here," Barnsley's Sporting Director Mladen Sormaz told the club website, external.

"He has also played in some big games this season which is also really important.

"Shamrock have been impressive in their European campaign this season and hopefully, Neil can bring that experience to Oakwell as we head into the business end of the campaign."

Barnsley are sixth in League One, having reached the play-offs in the last two seasons.

[themaclad]

Barnsley have signed goalkeeper Joe Gauci on loan from Aston Villa for the rest of the season.

Australia international Gauci, 24, joined Villa 12 months ago from A-League side Adelaide Strikers.

He played in both of Villa's Carabao Cup ties before Christmas but will now spend the next few months at Oakwell.

"This is a brilliant opportunity for myself to come and get some experience in English football and as well be here to help the club gain promotion and get back in the Championship," Gauci told the club's website, external.

Barnsley are ninth in League One, two points outside the play-offs with 18 games to go.

[themaclad]

Barnsley have signed French striker Clement Rodrigues from SC Bastia on loan until the end of the season, with a club option to make the deal permanent.

The 24-year-old arrives at Oakwell having scored three goals in 17 Ligue 2 games, and none since October, though he did score his fourth goal of the campaign in the Coupe de France before Christmas.

The Tykes have also signed Wolves wing-back Dexter Lembikisa on loan for rest of the campaign.

The 21-year-old made his senior debut against Leeds in an EFL Cup tie in November 2022, before making his Premier League debut three days later away against Arsenal.

The Jamaica international played 27 games on loan with Rotherham in the Championship last season and has also had spells with Hearts and Swiss club Yverdon Sport.

Rodrigues began his career with local side Angouleme, before enjoying spells with Deux Mers, FC Bassin d'Arcachon and US Concarneau, eventually arriving at SC Bastia in 2024.

Rodrigues told the club website, external: "England is the football capital of the world and I'm really happy to be here. The fans here are amazing and I can't wait to experience it."

Mladen Sormaz, Barnsley's sporting director added: "We are really pleased to see Clement arrive to bolster our attacking options.

"He is a player who possesses good athletic traits, including speed, pressing and movement in the box which we hope will bring another dimension to our forward line."

[themaclad]

Barnsley have offered a new contract to forward Stephen Humphrys after he scored five goals in their final five matches of the season.

The 27-year-old found the net nine times overall during a disappointing League One campaign for the club having joined the Tykes on a one-year deal last summer following his release by Wigan Athletic.

American centre-back Donovan Pines, who made 31 appearances this season, is among 15 players released.

The others include former Burnley midfielder Josh Benson, whose career at Oakwell has been disrupted by injuries, striker Sam Cosgrove, currently on loan at Stockport County, and defender Conor McCarthy.

In a post on Instagram, Pines said: "These past two seasons have meant more to me than words can fully express....It's been a dream come true to play in England and to learn the game in a place where football means so much."

As well as Humphrys, Barnsley have offered new deals to seven players, including full-back Bayley McCann, the son of Doncaster manager Grant McCann, and Kieren Flavell, one of five goalkeepers used during the season.

The club have chosen not to take up an option to sign striker Clement Rodrigues, who joined on loan from French club SC Bastia, on a permanent basis after he failed to score in six appearances.

And no new deal was offered to US international winger Jonathan Lewis, who was signed as a free agent in February for the remainder of the season.

The south Yorkshire club finished 12th in the table after reaching the play-offs in the two previous seasons and head coach Conor Hourihane won only two of his 10 games in charge after replacing Darrell Clarke.

They ended the season on a high note, though, with a 4-2 victory at Reading and Hourihane has promised major changes over the summer in the hope of the club pushing forwards again next term.

[themaclad]

Barnsley goalkeeper Kieren Flavell has signed a new two-year contract with the club, with another year's option.

The 21-year-old made eight appearances for the club at the tail end of 2024-25, having spent most of the campaign on loan at non-league side Farsley Celtic.

"I was really pleased to give Kieren an opportunity in the first team towards the back end of last season in tough circumstances and felt he rewarded my faith with a string of mature performances," boss Conor Hourihane said.

"Having him at the club in the future is exciting for our coaching staff as we keenly get to oversee the future development of a local lad who loves playing for his football club."

[themaclad]

Barnsley midfielder Jonathan Bland has signed a new deal until the summer of 2028.

The 19-year-old made his league debut for the League One side against Cambridge on 22 March and featured in their final nine games of the season.

Bland is the second Tykes player to sign a new deal this week after goalkeeper Kieren Flavell, 21, did so on Thursday.

"It is fantastic to see 'Blandy' extend his stay here after working with him closely towards the back end of last season," boss Conor Hourihane told the club website., external

"He delivered strong performances despite being a young player and showed fantastic maturity throughout."

Barnsley finished 12th in the third tier this season, 17 points off the play-off places.