Barnsley made their first signings of the summer this week. We take a detailed look at them and speak to people who have watched their development.
CLAYTON TAYLOR
Barnsley brought in the Australian winger this week.
Taylor, 22, scored nine goals as the Newcastle Jets won the Australian title for the first time ever in the 2025/26 season which finished in May then his contract expired. A six-figure fee is thought to have been agreed between the two clubs.
Barnsley’s recruitment team have kept an eye on the Australian leagues for years, monitoring goalkeeper Joe Gauci well before his move to Aston Villa and loan to Oakwell.
James Gardiner has covered the Jets for the Newcastle Herald for more than 20 years.
He said: “Clayton is in the top couple of attackers in the A-League in terms of dribbling at defenders and out of tight spaces.
“He has scored some runaway goals where you go: ‘how did he score that?’
“Technically he is strong and he has a high work-rate. He had groin surgery last off season and didn’t return until round five.
“His return to match fitness coincided with the Jets’ unbeaten run which was the catalyst for their premiership.
“He is right-footed but played mainly on the left and was lethal cutting back inside onto preferred foot.
“I was surprised that he wasn’t in the Socceroos’ extended squad in lead-up to the World Cup. He offered a point of difference.”
CAMERON MCGEEHAN
Six years after leaving the Reds, the midfielder returned this week as the first signing announced this summer.
He signed a one-year deal with a club option for a further year.
Now 31, McGeehan is approaching 400 career appearances and is currently the oldest in a very young squad following the exits of David McGoldrick, Tom Bradshaw and Marc Roberts.
He will join a midfield group including last season’s captain Luca Connell, McGeehan’s fellow Northern Ireland international Patrick Kelly, Kelechi Nwakali plus academy duo Jono Bland and Vimal Yoganathan.
McGeehan played against the Reds in the penultimate game of last season for relegated Northampton Town where he spent the previous two seasons.
James Heneghan, who covers the Cobblers for the Northampton Chronicle, said: “McGeehan was one of the most important players during his two years at Northampton.
“He was top-scorer in his first season with ten goals and only just missed out on winning the club’s Player of the Season award. His goals were crucial in keeping the team in League One.
“His second campaign was disrupted by injury and overshadowed by the team’s collapse but he still managed eight goals in a very low-scoring side.
“His form tailed off in the second half of the season and, while his work ethic and pressing out of possession were excellent, he did have a habit of going missing at times.
“He mostly operated in an attacking midfield position, sometimes dropping back into a two and more of a box-to-box role.”
ISAAC SMITH
The centre-back was announced on a permanent deal after a youth loan last season from Manchester City who released him.
Smith, who will turn 21 before the season starts, played regularly for the Reds’ under 21s.
He played for England under 17s with Nico O’Reilly and Kobbie Mainoo who are currently with England’s senior team at the World Cup.
He spent ten years in the Manchester City academy but has been hindered by injuries in recent years.
When Smith signed on loan for the Reds, academy manager Bobby Hassell told the Chronicle: “I think he’s got a real chance.
“You’d probably say he’s a bit old school in the way he defends.
“He’s really aggressive. He’s obviously good in possession, which you’d expect coming from Man City.”
Smith is thought to have been signed as part of the first team squad but may also play for the under 21s team.
He has signed a two-year contract with a one-year option in the club’s favour.
CALUM HUDSON
The 19-year-old centre-back’s move to the Reds from Scarborough Athletic for an undisclosed fee was confirmed this week.
The former England Schoolboys player, who worked as a labourer after leaving school at 16, spent part of last season on loan at Northern Premier League club Guiseley.
The Lions are managed by Barnsley man Ian Richards, the former Penistone Church and Stocksbridge Park Steels boss.
Richards said: “We had a shortage at centre-back and we’d heard about Calum really doing well at Tadcaster Albion on loan from Scarborough. We took a chance on him.
“He’d already been on trial at Barnsley and they kept an eye on him.
“Like any young lad, he had a little bit of fluctuation in form but, for an 18-year-old, he was so aggressive. He’s strong and quick, loves to defend, he puts his head where other players wouldn’t put their feet. He’s a throwback as a centre-back. He’s not the tallest but has a really athletic leap on him. He is brave in possession and will receive the ball under pressure. He’s a right-footer but he will play the ball on his left or right.
“I think Barnsley see a player with all the raw materials who is only going to get better with full-time training and coaching.
“They think he could follow Jack Shepherd and get into the first team in the near future.
“He’s a top lad from a nice family.
“I am really pleased he’s moved to a full-time club and I think Barnsley is probably the right one for him.
“I managed Jack Shepherd at Penistone and Leo Farrell at Guiseley last season so it would be nice to watch them and Calum playing for Barnsley.”
Hudson is expected to start the new season with the under 21s.
