Barnsley FC transfer news: Reds seal loan signing of goalkeeper Liam Roberts from Championship club Middlesbrough FC
The Reds, who had also expressed interest in Bradford City keeper Harry Lewis, quickly turned their attentions to ex-Northampton Town custodian Roberts after being informed he was made available for loan by the Teessiders.
The Oakwell club were in the market for a new first-choice goalkeeping option following the departure of Brad Collins to Championship club Coventry City and Roberts fits the bill.
Roberts made just five appearances for Boro last term following his arrival last summer.
“I’m looking forward to the season starting, meeting the boys and getting to know all the coaching staff.
“I’m ready to go, ready to meet all the fans and just crack on with the season.”
Reds CEO Khaled El-Ahmad added: “We are happy to be able to bring Liam to Barnsley until the end of the season.
Boro have already brought in two keepers so far in the close season with ex-QPR star Seny Dieng and Aussie keeper Tom Glover arriving at the club – with another set to follow in a back-up option in Jamie Jones – prompting the decision to allow Roberts to leave in pursuit of regular first-team football.
Roberts is Barnsley’s third summer recruit following the additions of defender Kacper Lopata and fellow keeper Ben Killip, who arrived from Woking and Hartlepool United respectively.
FC Halifax Town defender Jesse Debrah and former Solihull Moors forward Andy Dallas could be the next to follow.
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The former Leeds United and Harrogate Town player has earned many admirers with his performances for the Oakwell outfit over the past season, with the Sky Blues understood to have been monitoring him for a good while.
The Sky Blues, who received around £20m earlier this summer following the sale of Viktor Gyokeres to Sporting Lisbon, have embarked on a close-season spending spree which has seen them bring in a club-record signing in £7.7m forward Haji Wright, Everton striker Ellis Simms for £3.5m and Dutch defender Milan van Ewijk, who has joined for £3.4m, among others.
They have also brought in Reds keeper Brad Collins and ex-Oakwell loanee Bobby Thomas, who has joined on a permanent basis for £2m from Burnley, with their total spending not far shy of the £20m mark already.
Kitching, 23, one of League One’s top defenders last season, offers flexibility in being able to play left-back or centre-half.
Despite seeing the bid turned down – with the fee rising to £3m with add-ons – Coventry are likely to maintain their interest, with the player understood to be keen to play at a higher level.
Barnsley remain in a strong position regarding the future of Kitching, who signed a new contract last December until 2026 with a club option for another year.
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