Barnsley are targeting yet another young player, with 22-year-old Louie Marsh on the radar at Oakwell.
Marsh joined Sheffield United aged six and has spent his entire youth career with the Blades. His development through the academy has been impressive, helping the club win Professional Development titles.
However, Marsh has only made five first-team appearances for the Blades, with them all coming in cup competitions. He subsequently enjoyed loan spells with Doncaster Rovers and Fleetwood Town before joining Scottish side Falkirk on loan last season, where an injury cut his spell short.
Barnsley set sights on Louie Marsh deal
Barnsley are in need of adding talent to their ranks, and quickly with September’s deadline fast approaching. Daniel Stendel’s side lost their opening game of the season at home to League One newcomers Bromley, despite dominating the stats.
However, Marsh is a player who could add massively to their squad. Whilst out of loan with Falkirk, manager John McGlynn praised the qualities of the young attacker, describing him as “elegant” and a natural no.10 who could provide goals and assists.
A move to Barnsley could prove vital for the club, with star man Reyes Cleary potentially on the move amid persisting interest from elsewhere. The Tykes have turned down bids of up to £3m for his services to date.
The Verdict: Barnsley should start looking at more experienced players
There is no doubt that Marsh is a talented player, however he has suffered from injuries at two of his three loan spells in his career so far. This means the Sheffield United talent has only gone onto play 33 games across all competitions whilst out on loan over three seasons.
Louie Marsh stats for loan clubs
Marsh definitely has time on his side when it comes to his development, however Barnsley already have a very young side. In last week’s defeat to Bromley, the Reds had five players aged 21 or younger in their starting XI, with the substitute bench further reflecting the lack of experience they currently have.
The average age of the squad is just over 23 with new signing Cameron McGeehan the oldest player at the club – aged just 31.
It is unknown whether the deal for Marsh will be a loan or a permanent one as of yet. If completed, he will become the ninth new signing, but yet another relatively inexperienced player for the division.
A combination of youth and experience is usually key going into a season. However, for Barnsley, the lack of strength in depth and experience in their side could prove costly.
Enjoyed that? Add us to your Google sources
See more EFL transfer news and match reaction from The72, first, in Google Search.