Barnsley ‘could’ loan out one of Barry Cotter, Kyran Lofthouse or Corey O’Keeffe for next season, as detailed in a report by the Barnsley Chronicle.
Barnsley are gearing up for another year in League One following their play-off semi-final defeat to Bolton Wanderers. The Trotters then lost 2-0 at Wembley to Oxford United over the weekend after two goals by Josh Murphy.
The Tykes are without a permanent manager at the moment following their decision to sack Neill Collins last month. Martin Devaney ended the last season in interim charge and the club are in the process of searching for a replacement right now.
As per the Barnsley Chronicle, the Yorkshire outfit may seek a temporary exit for either Cotter, Lofthouse or O’Keeffe this summer as they don’t really need three right-backs in their squad. Offloading one would free up space and funds to bring in another player in a different position.
Barnsley defender plan
Barnsley signed Cotter back in January 2023 and he is under contract at Oakwell until June 2026.
He played 40 games in all competitions in this past campaign and chipped in with four goals.
Prior to his move to his current club, the former Ipswich Town man played in Ireland for Shamrock Rovers.
Lofthouse, who is 23-years-old, linked up with the Tykes last July and put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal.
However, he has played only three times for their first-team so far. He was shipped out on loan to Gateshead and then MK Dons last term to get some game time under his belt.
The Oxford-born man started his career at local side Oxford United before having a two-year stint in the National League at Woking.
As for O’Keeffe, he has been a regular for Barnsley since joining them following his exit from Forest Green Rovers just under 12 months ago.
The Birmingham City academy graduate has scored three goals in 45 outings for the Tykes, having previously had spells at Mansfield Town and Rochdale.
Who will depart Barnsley?
Out of the three players, it appears that Lofthouse would be the most likely to head out on loan.
Both Cotter and O’Keeffe got plenty of minutes last term under Collins and it would be a surprise to see one of them head out the exit door.
However, ultimately the decision will lie in the hands of whoever Barnsley bring in as their new head coach.
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