Sheffield United Join Transfer Race for £5m Barnsley Sensation as Rivals Circle
With only a few days remaining before the mid-season transfer window slams shut, Sheffield United are expected to remain active in the market as they look to strengthen their squad and climb the Championship standings.
The Blades underwent significant upheaval last summer, both on and off the pitch, following their painful play-off final defeat to Sunderland. That disappointment triggered changes in the dugout, with Chris Wilder returning to the managerial hot seat. Since then, the club has already made moves to bolster the squad, snapping up free agents Jairo Riedewald and Patrick Bamford earlier in the season. However, further reinforcements are now being considered ahead of Monday night’s deadline.
So far, Wolves right-back Ki-Jana Hoever is the only fresh face to arrive at Bramall Lane during the current window, joining on loan for the remainder of the campaign. But with attacking depth still a concern, questions remain over whether additional forward options could yet be brought in.
Reyes Cleary emerges as a key target
One player now firmly on Sheffield United’s radar is Barnsley forward Reyes Cleary. According to reports from the Sheffield Star, Cleary is among a long list of attacking targets being monitored by Wilder after the club opted to cut short Louie Barry’s loan spell, allowing him to return to Aston Villa earlier this month. That decision has left a potential gap in United’s wide attacking positions.
Cleary has been one of the standout performers at Oakwell since joining Barnsley in the summer. The 21-year-old arrived after impressing during a loan spell with Hartlepool United in the National League, and with his West Bromwich Albion contract nearing its end, he chose a permanent move to South Yorkshire despite being offered new terms at The Hawthorns.
Highly rated from a young age—and previously linked with European giants Borussia Dortmund back in 2021—Cleary has flourished under the guidance of former Sheffield United loanee Conor Hourihane. He has already registered five goals and seven assists in League One this season, including a spectacular strike from inside his own half against Bradford City. His reputation was further enhanced by a memorable FA Cup performance against Liverpool at Anfield, where he was named Player of the Match despite Barnsley’s 4-1 defeat.
However, Sheffield United face stiff competition. Transfer insider Alan Nixon reports that Blackburn Rovers have already submitted a second offer worth £1.5 million plus add-ons, while Bristol City are also monitoring the situation following the sale of Anis Mehmeti to Ipswich Town. Barnsley, though, are believed to have slapped a hefty £5 million valuation on Cleary—a figure that could deter Championship clubs.
Whether Sheffield United formalise their interest before Monday’s 7pm deadline remains to be seen, but if Wilder is handed the financial backing to make a late push, Barnsley may need to prepare for serious bids.
Cleary pursuit could have wider implications at Bramall Lane
A potential move for Cleary would not be without risk for Sheffield United. Not long ago, the winger struggled to break into Walsall’s League Two side and was sent out on loan to Hartlepool, where he finally began to showcase the talent that once made him such a prized prospect in West Brom’s academy.
Rather than remain in the Midlands and face another loan spell, Cleary gambled on himself by joining Barnsley in search of regular football—a decision that has paid off handsomely.
Given his age, rapid development, League One output, and impressive performances against top-level opposition such as Liverpool, Barnsley’s £5 million valuation is understandable. While they would be reluctant to lose him midway through the season, the reality is that every player has a price.
For Sheffield United, a move for Cleary could also raise questions about Gustavo Hamer’s future. Wilder has often deployed Hamer on the left wing in a 4-2-3-1 system, while Callum O’Hare has also filled that role when United switch to a 4-4-2. Hamer has been linked with a move away from Bramall Lane during this window, with reports suggesting that a deal could be struck for as little as £6 million for last season’s Championship Player of the Year.
If that option remains on the table, funds from a Hamer sale could potentially be reinvested in Cleary—but replacing Hamer’s influence would be a monumental task.
