Josh Koroma’s proposed move to Barnsley has collapsed at the eleventh hour, despite the player completing a medical and media duties at Oakwell.
The former Huddersfield Town forward is now back on the market after a late change from his representatives led Barnsley to pull the plug.
Koroma Deal Off After Terms Reportedly Altered
Koroma had looked set to become a Barnsley player, with personal terms agreed and all formalities apparently completed. However, the deal unravelled due to what journalist Adam Oxley described as an “attempt to change the deal” from the player’s camp. It is understood that Barnsley were satisfied with the initial agreement, but declined to accept the revised terms, effectively ending the move.
The 25-year-old was released by Huddersfield Town at the end of the 2024/25 season, having made 37 League One appearances last term, scoring eleven goals and providing two assists. He had featured in over 100 Championship matches prior to dropping down a level and remains one of the more experienced free agents available in the market.
For those asking, I was told the attempt to change the deal was from the player’s side. My understanding is that Barnsley were happy with the terms agreed, which is why the medical and media interviews took place.
— Adam Oxley (@adam3oxley) July 15, 2025
Koroma’s departure from Huddersfield marked the end of a five-year stint with the Terriers, which included a productive spell in the second tier and loans at both Rotherham United and Portsmouth. His goal against Swansea City in 2020 was among his early highlights for the Yorkshire side, while injuries and inconsistency often interrupted his rhythm during that period.
He had also impressed Barnsley fans when the sides met last season, providing an assist in a 2-1 Huddersfield win. That display may have helped prompt the initial interest from the Reds, who had been confident of concluding the signing before talks abruptly broke down.
With the deal now off, Koroma remains a free agent and is not bound by the transfer window, meaning he can still sign with a club after 1 September. Given his output last season and his ability to play across the front line, he is likely to attract interest from other League One sides as well as clubs in the Championship and abroad.
Writer’s View
This is a blow for both Koroma and Barnsley. From the club’s perspective, this looked like a shrewd move for a proven League One performer with top-end Championship experience. For Koroma, the collapse will be frustrating after progressing so far through the process.
His decision to alter terms, whether financial or contractual, clearly didn’t land well at Oakwell, and it’s a reminder that free agent deals can unravel as quickly as they materialise. With his quality, he’ll find another opportunity soon, but this one will sting.
