Luca Connell

Barnsley Football Club is delighted to announce the arrival of midfielder Luca Connell on a free transfer, subject to clearances.

The 21-year-old joins on a 3-year deal after a recent spell with Scottish champions, Celtic.

Born in Liverpool but representing the Republic of Ireland for whom he has featured with right up to U21 level, Luca - naturally left-footed - likes to dictate from central midfield with an eye for a pass and desire to win his individual battles.


Kicking off his career at Bolton Wanderers, his enigmatic displays caught the eye of Scottish giants Celtic who took him north of the border in June of 2019.

Unable to find game-time at Celtic Park, Connell went on to enjoy two separate loan spells further down the pyramid with another Glasgow club in Queen’s Park, helping The Spiders to back-to-back promotions in his 43 appearances for the oldest club in Scotland.

After signing for the Reds, Luca told us: “I’m over the moon to finally get it done.

“Over the years there’s been some speculation about it happening, but I’m finally here and I’m happy to be a Barnsley player.

“My agent is from Barnsley, so he’s told me about the history of the club. He brought Hourihane and [Kieran] Tripper to the club, so there’s high standards. I just know that we need to bounce back to get this club back where it belongs.”

Barnsley FC Chief Executive Officer, Khaled El-Ahmad added: “We are pleased that Luca has chosen Barnsley to continue his promising career and are looking forward to seeing his development in a Reds shirt.”

Luca will join the Reds officially from July 1, linking up with Michael Duff's squad ahead of the 22/23 season.

Welcome to Oakwell, Luca Connell!

 

League 1 down there will be good for him, seems to be a good lad hopefully does well

 

Still only 21 so his whole career ahead of him . Pity it didn’t work out for him here , hope he’s a success down south

 

All the best Luca

 

Good move for him..

Barnsley scout well and will probably bounce straight back up..

Better than moving to Fleetwood with Broony to be honest..

 

Best of luck lad.. hopefully he kicks on and we see him in an Ireland jersey in the future

 

Watching preseason two years ago I thought him and Soro could be the heart of our midfield for years to come. This preseason I was sure Shaw would be a huge player for us this year.

Can't wait to see who I'm horrifically wrong about next season

 

Hopefully the kid does well down there, just a shame he didn’t develop as expected with us.

 

Agreed he comes over well. Good luck to him. Hopefully this proves to be a good move for him.

 

Mods…. BAN PLEASE

 

Good move for him and wish him well.

He’s a likeable lad and I think there’s plenty talent there. Wouldn’t be at all surprised if he makes a good career for himself.

 

I see he’s won Barnsley’s POTY

 

Even without having seen him kick a ball this season, I can’t say I’m surprised by that. He’s a good player, just not good enough for us.

 

I'm happy for him, but something obviously didn't click for him here. He never got the decent loan he needed either

 

Apparently it was his lack of pace..

Always thought he looked a quality wee player but something must've been missing..

His loans were baffling for a boy with a good left peg whod been playing the the English championship..

Scottish league 1 and championship. Always thought be could've easily got a prem loan..

 

There was video of him making some great passes in a Celtic game under Lennon I think and then he never really got a chance, was weird.

 

2 goals 9 assists in 45 games in all competitions for him this season from DM for Barnsley there.

Was an odd one that we only sent him on such lower league Loans especially when he looked a good player after the first. One that is a bit of a why didn't he get more of a chance for us, he'd probably fit in fairly well

 

I agree. I hope the lad gets a shot with us

 

I do think calling him a Championship player doesn't tell the whole story. He played a dozen games for a Bolton team who had to play youth as they hadnt paid their senior players and they got humped every game. Same with the 2 guys we brought in from Sheffield Wednesday.

I don't see us ever re-signing with us. It would be an odd move to be honest.