Barrow are set to sign midfielder Dean Campbell on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Aberdeen, as reported by The Mail.
Campbell spent the entirety of the 2022/23 season on loan with Stevenage, gaining promotion with the club. He made 14 League Two appearances last season but struggled to break into the starting lineup. That being said, he did still help the Boro to promotion to League One in what was his first taste of English football.
It now seems that a return to English football is imminent, with Barrow being heavily linked with the Scotsman. We had previously reported that both Barrow and Tranmere were in the race for the 22-year-old’s signature, but it seems as if the Bluebirds have fought off the opposition and are leading contenders now to land his signature this summer.
Who is Dean Campbell?
Campbell has been with Aberdeen since he was an eight-year-old and would play for the various youth sides before making his debut for the senior side in 2017. The young midfielder shone in Aberdeen’s academy, winning their Player of the Year on three consecutive occasions, which also earned him a place in various national youth sides. During his six-year spell with the SPFL club, Campbell made 57 appearances for the first team, as well as gaining further experience when loaned out to Kilmarnock in 2022. He was loaned out again the following season, this time to Stevenage, who he helped gain promotion to the third tier. With his contract at the Pittodrie up this summer, the young midfielder will be moving on to pastures new and a move to England could be on the cards.
How would he fit in at Barrow?
The 22-year-old is most commonly utilised as a defensive midfielder but also has experience of playing as a central midfielder and could fit into manager Pete Wild’s plans. Although Barrow managed to retain the majority of their midfield, Campbell would be a breath of fresh air in the side. Still very young, he has plenty of potential to improve, and if able to get consistent minutes, could become a huge asset to the club. It is fair to say that the midfielder has a fair level of experience, especially playing for Aberdeen in the SPFL and if transitioning well, could be a starter for the Bluebirds.
Having finished ninth last season, Barrow will want to be thereabouts again next year. Already making six signings this summer, most recently the experienced striker Jamie Proctor from Port Vale, they obviously have plans of being at the pointy end of the table again in the forthcoming season. The addition of Campbell could take the Bluebirds to another level and we may see them in contention for a play-off position if he can make a significant impact.
Writer’s view
With Barrow already very active in the transfer market, it would be no surprise to see this deal go through in the coming days. Campbell still retains plenty of potential and if able to get a consistent run in the team, then he should be able to show-off his ability. Although Barrow have lost some key players this summer, the players they’ve brought in should help them to challenge in the top half again next season.
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