Barnsley have made the returning midfielder Cameron McGeehan their first signing of the summer.

The 31-year-old played under current head coach Daniel Stendel in the 2018/19 promotion season and has signed a one-year deal with a year option in the club’s favour.

McGeehan played for the Reds from 2017 to 2020, making 64 appearances and scoring nine goals.

Having signed in 2017, he was loaned out to Scunthorpe when Barnsley were relegated from the Championship. But, under Stendel, he formed a midfield partnership with Alex Mowatt which helped the Reds to promotion. After Stendel was sacked the following October, McGeehan was loaned to Portsmouth then joined Reds’ then sister club Oostende. He spent three years in Belgium before a stint at League Two Colchester then a move to Northampton in 2024. He scored 17 goals in 73 League One games for the Cobblers who finished bottom last season then he turned down the offer of a new deal.

Stendel told the club’s website: “I am very happy to welcome Cameron back to Barnsley.

"He is a player I know extremely well and someone who understands exactly how I want my teams to play.

“His energy, pressing and mentality were very important to us before, and I am confident he will bring those same qualities again. Cameron is a leader on and off the pitch and he will add experience and intensity to our squad. I am really pleased to be working with him again.”

McGeehan added: “It’s a great feeling to be back. As soon as you come in, it feels a little bit like home again. I had some really positive conversations with the head coach, and he was really keen to bring me back and use my experience here, so I was delighted to make it happen.

“I feel like there’s some unfinished business, and I’m still really hungry to succeed. This club, the fans and the way we play here gave me the best feeling out of all my options, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”