League Two side Cheltenham Town have rejected Barnsley’s bid for winger Jordan Thomas, according to both Ben Jacobs and Jon Palmer Sport.
The 24-year-old provided 14 goal contributions from the right-wing position in 48 appearances in all competitions last season, in what was his first full season as a professional footballer.
Jordan Thomas’ Buyout Clause
Thomas has only one year remaining on his contract at Cheltenham, and is thought to have a six-figure buyout clause of £250,000, which was inserted into his contract when he joined the Robins for £5,000 from National League South side Bath City in January 2024. The non-league side are also entitled to 15% of the fee Cheltenham would get if they were to sell him.
However, according to a report from Gloucestershire Live, the Tykes’ bid reportedly falls quite short of the amount of the buyout clause. Ben Jacobs reports that Barnsley are now deciding whether or not to return to the table with an improved bid.
Barnsley Building on Last Season
After a disappointing season last campaign, Barnsley are looking to return to the promotion picture. New manager Conor Hourihane is experiencing his first transfer window at the helm.
Six players have departed Oakwell, three on loan, and three permanently, with five new players replacing those departing.
With just over a month left of the window, Barnsley will not be the only side hoping to get more business done before the deadline, and a move for winger Thomas could prove to be another smart piece of business if the deal can get over the line.
Cheltenham Town Tipped to Struggle
Much like Barnsley, Cheltenham are a side who are looking to improve on a mid-table finish last season. However, budgetary constraints have meant that the side have had a slow window so far, with only three players having come through the door at Whaddon Road.
Former Barnsley and Notts County centre-back Robbie Cundy has been joined by former Morecambe striker Lee Angol in making permanent moves, with Taine Anderson joining on loan from Championship outfit Bristol City.
If Michael Flynn were to lose one of his key players on top of this, it could be a very long season for Cheltenham fans, but the question remains, do the club either cash in on a player with only one year left on his deal when they can to ease budgetary issues, or do they keep him and risk letting him walk on a free.
Writer’s View
The 24-year-old showed League Two what he was capable of last season and is ready to make the step up to the third tier. However, if Barnsley aren’t willing to activate his buyout clause, he could well remain a Cheltenham player for one more season.
With the Robins’ lack of window activity so far, keeping wingers Thomas and Ethon Archer could be the best business they could do to avoid struggling next season.
