Free Agent Set For Barnsley Medical Despite Championship Interest

Halifax Town defender Jesse Debrah is set for a medical at League One side, Barnsley, according to journalist Alan Nixon via a Patreon post.

Debrah has been a standout performer for The Shaymen since joining the club in 2021. This form has caught the eye of many EFL clubs with Barnsley reportedly winning the race. The 23 year old departed the club following the expiry of his contract this summer and has reportedly had Championship interest from Huddersfield Town in the past.

This move will require a compensation fee from The Tykes due to Debrah being under the age of 24. This can either be agreed between the two clubs, or set by an independent tribunal taking into account his training costs as well as potential development.

Who is Jesse Debrah?

The Croydon-born defender began his career at Millwall, learning his trade on loan through the non-league pyramid during loan spells with Billericay Town, Eastbourne Borough and Dulwich Hamlet. He was then released at the end of his contract at The Den.

Debrah went on to join National League side Halifax Town in the summer of 2021, making 23 starts forming part of the most formidable National League defence in the 2021-22 season, where Pete Wild’s side finished fourth before being eliminated at home to Chesterfield.

Following a multitude of departures at the West Yorkshire club in the summer of 2022, the young defender became a certain starter at the club, making 31 starts for Chris Millington’s side while catching the eye of several EFL clubs, with Championship side Huddersfield Town reportedly holding an interest in the player.

Lower league recruitment

Signing for the club, Debrah would join with a multitude of National League stars at Oakwell this summer with Kacper Lopata and the rumored Andrew Dallas as the South Yorkshire club look to unearth young players from the lower divisions with potential future sell-on value.

What has been said?

Alan Nixon shared the news on his Patreon account, stating:

“Barnsley are giving Halifax’s England C cap Jesse Debrah a medical ahead of a deal

“Centre half Debrah has been angling for a move to the EFL for over a year and the clubs have sorted out a fee”

Writer’s View

This type of signing is not surprising at Oakwell given their lower league recruitment model, it remains to be seen whether Debrah will go to a top League One side as a starter with competition from Liam Kitching, Robbie Cundy and Kacper Lopata providing a selection headache in Neill Collins’ backline; however, I can certainly see the player adapting over time given his strong development over the last two seasons.

The starting spots at the back are especially open for The Tykes given the recent departure of their captain, Mads Andersen to Premier League club, Luton Town.

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