Barnsley have missed out to Leyton Orient on the signing of Josh Koroma from Huddersfield Town despite an initial agreement to bring the forward to Oakwell Stadium.
The O’s have confirmed his return to the League One side, where he initally played from 2016 to 2019, coming through their academy system before joining the Yorkshire outfit.
It was claimed by The Yorkshire Telegraph that the Tykes had an agreement to sign the 26-year-old, but the deal broken down after last-minute changes to the agreement.
Koroma has instead moved to a potential promotion rival for Conor Hourihane’s side, in what could prove a big blow to their fight for a top six finish in the upcoming campaign.
Josh Koroma saga verdict
When asked about the situation surrounding Koroma, FLW’s Barnsley fan pundit Andy Symcox claimed that the entire ordeal regarding the agreement not being stuck to didn’t sit well with him.
He believes that the Tykes need to add a winger to their squad this summer, but that he’s glad the deal didn’t come to fruition as he only wants players at the club that actually want to be there.
“There’s been a saga — and that’s the word for it: saga — for a number of weeks now and we’ve been led to believe, and possibly this is the case, that a deal had been agreed, medicals and what have you, and then right at the end there’s been a change in the terms of the contract,” Symcox told Football League World.
“I don’t know if that’s from the club’s perspective or the player’s perspective, via his agent.
“I would be surprised if, as some people suggest, that the changes are from the club’s point of view, as it was all agreed, so my personal take, with no knowledge other than my own opinion, is that it may have come from the player’s point of view from the agent, who either wanted to increase the terms of the contract, or there are alternatives available to him.
| Josh Koroma – Huddersfield Town league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
| Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals (Assists) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 7 (3) | 0 | ||
| 2020-21 | 20 (19) | 8 (2) | ||
| 2021-22 | 34 (19) | 4 (2) | ||
| 2022-23 | 19 (13) | 4 (1) | ||
| 2023-24 | 39 (29) | 6 (2) | ||
| 2024-25 | 37 (27) | 11 (2) | ||
“Either way, it doesn’t sit well with me.
“And although we need wingers, as we’ve said this season we’re going to play with wingers, and Josh is certainly that — though he can play in the middle, I see him as a winger who can get at defenders.
“It’s a shame, but I only want players at Oakwell who want to play at Oakwell, and if his agent has been messing the club about then we have to move on and get someone who wants to play for the club.
“If it’s from the club’s point of view, then that’s not great business, but that would surprise me.”
Barnsley’s summer business evaluated
Symcox claimed he’s not frustrated with the club’s business so far, suggesting they’ve brought in some exciting additions, and that they only require one or two more players coming in to satisfy their needs.
“I personally am not frustrated by our efforts so far, although I do understand that others maybe and indeed are,” he continued.
“We have signed, what I’m told, is a really good goalkeeper on loan in Murphy Cooper and also [Nathanael] Ogbeta as a left-back.
“I’ve seen them both play in a friendly and both seemed decent players.
“We’ve also permanently signed Cleary who, again, I have seen in a friendly and who looks to be a useful addition to the squad.
“He can play as a winger, and he has quick feet, is strong, powerful and can go at defenders quickly.
“We’ve also recently signed David McGoldrick, who despite his age has kept himself fit and scored many goals, 17 last season, for Notts County, albeit in League Two.
“He is a quality player, who even at his age has kept himself fit and will be a useful addition to the squad both as a player himself, but also to have around the place.
“So, I’m far from frustrated.
“I would like us to sign another winger, and perhaps a defender, but all depends on if anyone leaves the club.
“If no one leaves then we’re doing decent business.
“If someone does leave, including midfield players, then in my view they would need to be replaced.”
Barnsley begin their League One campaign with a trip to face Plymouth Argyle on 2 August.
Barnsley are better off moving on quickly from Koroma saga
Barnsley’s move for Koroma had potential to go well, but they are now better off moving onto their alternative targets instead of getting hung up on his move to Leyton Orient
The Tykes have had a busy summer, but it’s clear they still need a couple more additions if they’re to bridge the gap to the teams in the promotion hunt, especially with Richie Wellens’ side now getting in someone of Koroma’s ability and experience.
If they can hold onto the likes of Keillor Davis-Dunn and Jon Russell, then that will only further strengthen their business this transfer window.
It is also still only the middle of July, so they have plenty of time to find targets that can add some extra firepower to their squad.
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