BARNSLEY will sell ‘at least one’ first team player this summer, admits chief executive Jon Flatman, but he thinks the players who come in could be even better.

The Reds have several players who are thought to be of interest to other clubs such as Reyes Cleary, Patrick Kelly, Luca Connell and Adam Phillips while they have been losing millions of pounds every year.

Flatman told the Chronicle: “I’m sure there’ll be at least one sale this summer.

“But what there’ll also be is recruitment on the other side.

“That’s really exciting that the money can go on even better players than those that are leaving.

“Can we find more Reyes Clearys and more Patrick Kellys and ensure that the (Jono) Blands and the (Vimal) Yoganathans continue to come through the system?

“And before you know it, you’ve got a pretty exciting team.

“Players will come and go at all clubs – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool.

“We’ve got a real duty to make sure that when they’re here, we give them the best platform possible.

“They’ve got a duty to deliver everything they can for the club while they’re here.

“Naturally, those that have the opportunity to go to the next level will go with our blessing, but they’ll go with our blessing if the numbers are right.”

The Reds have had further approaches for star winger Reyes Cleary for whom they rejected offers of up to £3million in the January window.

The 22-year-old contributed seven goals and 15 assists last season and still has three years remaining on his contract including an option.

Flatman said: “There has been interest in Reyes this summer and we’ll continue to monitor that situation as we’ve said all along.

“He is a quality footballer and quality footballers will attract attention from other clubs.

“His age makes him a very exciting option for clubs.

“But Reyes Cleary will leave the club when the numbers are right for Barnsley FC.

“We’ve shown strength in that in January, and we’ll show strength again this summer if we need to.

“We’ve given Reyes a great platform and he’s taken that opportunity with both hands.

“We hope he continues to reward the club and himself.”

There is likely to be interest in midfielders Kelly, currently with the Northern Ireland squad, captain Connell – who is reportedly a target for Luton who he nearly joined in January – and Phillips who has just one year left on his contract. On Connell, Flatman said: “Clearly there have been conversations in the January window.

“We didn’t feel it was right in the January window, around the timing of it, with the potential of Davis Keillor-Dunn leaving.

“To lose Luca as well without necessarily having time to have the full market for a replacement made that very, very difficult and that’s why we took that decision.

“But, with the summer window opening, we’ll listen to all offers. If it’s right for the club and it’s right for Luca, I’m sure we’ll do something.

“If it’s not, then I’m sure Luca will be a professional under contract and play for the club.”

David McGoldrick, 38, netted 18 goals last season and was Barnsley’s top-scorer but is out of contract and it is unclear if they will be able to match the wages he is being offered elsewhere.

The situation is thought to be similar with centre-back Eoghan O’Connell who spent the second half of last season at Oakwell and has been in talks over a longer contract.

To lose McGoldrick would be a major blow for Barnsley as his 13 goals in 18 games in early 2026 played a major part in keeping them away from the relegation fight.

The only other senior striker contracted to the club is 20-year-old Leo Farrell who has never started a league game.

Flatman said: “Didzy (McGoldrick) and I are in conversation.

“There’s no real change.

“I think it’ll be cleared up in the near future for everyone’s benefit, but I haven’t got a timeline on it.

“We’re talking to him. We’ve just got to make sure that we’re respectful of Didzy’s position and he’s respectful of our position, which I think we are.

“And the deal will either get done or not.

“But David’s been fantastic for us, and I’m sure he’ll continue to be, whether it’s here or at another club.”