Derby County are targeting Barnsley winger Reyes Cleary as a key January signing to aid their fight against relegation. The Rams sit 23rd in the Championship with just seven points from 12 games, leaving them four points from safety and in urgent need of squad reinforcement. Manager John Eustace is under pressure to improve an attack that has scored only 10 league goals while conceding 21.
John Eustace has identified the 22-year-old as a player who could make a significant impact. A source close to the club stated, "He would be ideal for John Eustace's side if they managed to lure him away from Oakwell ahead of the second-half of the campaign." Cleary has been a standout performer for Barnsley this season, contributing 12 goals and 18 assists across 65 appearances in all competitions. His versatility, allowing him to play as a winger or wing-back, is seen as a major asset.
Cleary's background and appeal
Cleary developed through West Bromwich Albion's academy, making seven first-team appearances, and gained further experience during loan spells at Walsall and Hartlepool United before joining Barnsley in 2025. His pace and power are considered attributes that could trouble Championship defences. Derby's need for such a player is heightened by a recent run of form that shows no wins in their last five matches, a sequence of three draws and two defeats. Their most recent outing was a 1-1 draw away at Sheffield United last weekend, where Bobby Clark scored their goal. The club's recruitment team has been monitoring Cleary for several months, impressed by his consistent output and physical development.
The need for swift action
With the January transfer window opening soon, Derby are expected to face competition for Cleary's signature from several other suitors, including clubs in the bottom half of the Championship and a newly-promoted side. The club's precarious position in the standings shows the importance of adding quality and depth. They travel to face 13th-placed Millwall on Saturday, October 31st, in another key fixture for their survival hopes. Securing a player of Cleary's productivity could provide a vital spark for the second half of the season as they aim to close an 18-point gap to the league leaders. Financial constraints at Pride Park mean any deal would likely be structured with an initial loan containing an obligation to buy based on performance or survival, a model Barnsley are open to discussing.
Background and full detail: The72 - Football League News
