Barnsley eye Tommi O'Reilly as rivals stumble on loan chase

Barnsley are poised to secure a loan for 22‑year‑old attacking midfielder Tommi O'Reilly from Aston Villa, aiming to boost their creative options as they chase promotion back to the Championship. The move would see the versatile playmaker, who impressed with seven goals and 11 assists at Crewe last season, join Oakwell on a short‑term deal.

Barnsley’s creative deficit

Daniel Stendel’s return has highlighted a need for fresh attacking ideas after the departures of David McGoldrick, David Keillor‑Dunn and Adam Phillips during the 2025‑26 campaign. The club’s top‑scoring charts were emptied, leaving a void in the final third that Stendel’s preferred 4‑2‑3‑1 formation struggles to fill. Recent loan signings such as Makenzie Kirk and Amani Richards have added depth, but a player who can both score and create remains essential.

Rivals’ stalled pursuit

Sheffield Wednesday entered advanced talks for O'Reilly earlier in the summer, yet the Owls have yet to finalise a deal, leaving the target open. Notts County also pursued the Villa youngster, impressed by his Crewe performances, but recent signings of Oli Cooper and Hindolo Mustapha suggest the Magpies may have moved on. Both clubs’ inability to lock down the midfielder creates an opportunity for Barnsley.

O'Reilly’s credentials

While on loan at Crewe Alexandra, the 22‑year‑old registered seven goals and 11 assists across 46 appearances, demonstrating durability and consistency rare for a young creative midfielder in the EFL. His versatility allows him to operate centrally or out wide, fitting neatly into Stendel’s 4‑2‑3‑1 system. The combination of goal‑scoring and playmaking makes him a rare asset for a League One side seeking to revive its attacking threat.

Action Image By Alex Lawes Published Aug 15, 2026, 8:30 AM GMT+1 highlights a long‑suffering Bolton Wanderers supporter, the Whites, who balances club heartache with freelance sports writing. Add Us Summary Generate a concise recap of the story. Like Like follow Follow followed Followed Thread Log in Here to stay updated. Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap. The Heart of the club beats for optimism.

Securing O'Reilly would give Barnsley a creative spark while simultaneously denying a South Yorkshire rival a key target, potentially shifting the local power balance. For Aston Villa, a loan spell offers the midfielder regular first‑team minutes to aid his development, and a successful stint could raise his market value. Barnsley fans, weary of recent player sales, would gain a tangible sign of ambition as the club strives to return to the Championship.