Barnsley are unwilling to drop the value of their prized asset, Reyes Cleary, as the transfer window closes, despite bids from Championship rivals.

The 22-year-old was set to depart Oakwell as soon as last season concluded, after a career season in which he scored 20 goals in only 30 League One games for the Reds.

With 13 assists, he topped the third-tier statistics, and his dribbling ability was unparalleled at the level. Interest in Cleary has been high since January, when Blackburn Rovers’ bids were rejected, and it hasn’t subsided this summer.

Indeed, FLW stated that Derby County and Bristol City were planning a move just weeks after the 2025/26 season concluded, with the Robins rumoured to have reached an agreement earlier this month.

Barnsley stands firm on the Reyes Cleary valuation.

Barnsley quickly denied the speculations of a move to Bristol City, and as the transfer window nears its end, the lively winger remains a Tyke.

According to Darren Witcoop, the League One club is unwilling to decrease their asking price as the transfer window approaches its end. According to the article, Cleary has received proposals of up to £3 million from Championship clubs, which have all been turned down.

Barnsley slapped an £8 million price tag on the 22-year-old during the final days of the January transfer window earlier this year. Granted, player valuations climb during the winter window because there is less time to plan a replacement, but as this summer’s edition concludes, the same issue may arise.

Cleary is perhaps more vital to Barnsley now than he was in January. The Reds have lost a lot of their attacking potency from last year, particularly David McGoldrick, and it has shown in their first two league games this season, when Daniel Stendel’s team has failed to score from 35 shots — the third-highest total in the division.

Barnsley’s severe attitude towards Reyes Cleary is not uncommon for the League One team.

Championship clubs were always going to have to pay a high amount to come in a player of Cleary’s quality and promise, but given Barnsley’s management style, they’ll make sure they get the best value for their money.

Fans of the South Yorkshire club can complain about the team’s recent path, but there’s no denying that Neerav Parekh has significantly increased player income.

Barnsley has recouped nearly £4 million for Liam Kitching in the last three years, around £3 million for Mads Andersen, and more than £2 million for Davis Keillor-Dunn this January.

Cleary arguably has a larger ceiling than all three of those seven-figure departures, so a demand of about £5 million, or possibly even more, would not be surprising from Oakwell’s upper management.

Reyes Cleary will be worth the money for Championship clubs this summer, but they could be priced out by a reluctant Barnsley.

Cleary started and scored in Barnsley’s EFL Cup second round win over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday, indicating that he is unlikely to leave South Yorkshire anytime soon.

Perhaps Championship clubs are frightened off by the valuation, but given the 22-year-old’s fast growth over the previous year, he’d be a profitable investment for any second-tier club in the near future.

Reyes Cleary joins League One final season.

Goals plus assists per 90

0.69

Successful dribblings per 90

1.78

Chances created

53

Big opportunities created.

13

Successful crossovers

39

Touches in the opposition box.

174

The only question is whether second-tier clubs have waited too long to recruit the winger this summer, given Barnsley’s already high level of unwillingness to sell, which will likely increase as the window closes.

If he stays at Oakwell, Daniel Stendel’s side, which has struggled in front of goal so far, will receive a much-needed offensive lift. Barnsley are already facing a hectic final week of the window, so replacing Cleary would be a major transfer issue.

So, with little time remaining, only time will tell where the 22-year-old will play this season. Wherever he ends up, they’ll be thrilled to have him on their team.