Barnsley chase veteran Daniel Johnson to add experience to youthful squad

Barnsley are on the verge of completing a free‑transfer signing of former Stoke City and Preston North End midfielder Daniel Johnson, the 34‑year‑old Jamaican international who returns to England after two seasons in Turkey. The deal, confirmed by club sources, involves no fee and includes a one‑year contract with an option for a further year.

Struggling Tykes seek stability

Barnsley sit 18th in League One as they head into Saturday’s trip to Stockport County. Manager Daniel Stendel, back at Oakwell for a second spell, has struggled to turn the side’s second‑most shots per 90 and most touches in the opposition box into clear‑cut chances, leaving them with the worst shot‑conversion rate in the division.

Stendel’s frustration boiled over after a 4‑1 defeat to Fleetwood Town in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy, where he described the performance as “not League Two level”. The loss underscored the urgency of reinforcing the midfield.

Why Johnson fits the bill

Johnson brings 27 Jamaican caps and more than 300 Championship appearances, the bulk of them earned during an eight‑and‑a‑half‑year spell at Preston where he helped the Lilywhites win promotion in 2015. His most productive season came in 2019/20, when he scored 12 goals and supplied seven assists.

After a season at Stoke City, Johnson moved to Turkish second‑tier side Fatih Karagümrük, helping them secure promotion via the play‑offs and later making 17 Süper Lig appearances, although he could not prevent their immediate relegation.

Beyond the pitch: a journalist’s profile

Sam, a freelance sports journalist, graduated from the University of Salford with a First Class Broadcast Journalism degree. Despite his broadcasting background, he has written extensively for the Northern Premier League and various Leeds United blogs, and his media work includes stints with Stockport County, Wigan Athletic and Salford City, giving him a broad view of the EFL.

His articles often feature a Like button, a Thread log and a Here tag, reflecting modern online engagement. Like many in the field, Sam supports Leeds United and is well‑versed across the entire 72‑club network of English football.

If the free‑transfer is finalised, Johnson will become Barnsley’s oldest current player at 34, overtaking 31‑year‑old Cameron McGeehan. With an average squad age of 22.9, the Tykes rely heavily on teenagers and players aged 20, making Johnson’s experience and leadership potentially vital.

For Johnson, the move offers a return to English football after more than a decade away, while Barnsley hope his shooting ability and midfield presence will convert the many chances they are already creating into goals.