There is reported interested from SkyBet League One club Barnsley in former Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith.
The 28-year-old helped the Rams secure promotion into the Championship last season, partly at the expense of Barnsley, who instead entered the play-offs.
Barnsley Interested in Wildsmith Return:
The shot-stopper was one of six players released by Paul Warne’s Derby after their promotion winning campaign last season. He could now join another of the released players, Conor Hourihane, in securing a return to Oakwell.
Wildsmith went just three appearances short of a century for the Rams, across two seasons with in Derbyshire. He secured the League One golden glove last term, managing 20 clean sheets.
The Englishman finished one clear of Lincoln City‘s Lukas Jensen and Portsmouth’s Will Norris.
After coming through the ranks at Sheffield Wednesday, Wildsmith spent a brief loan spell at Barnsley in 2015. He played two goals for the Reds, drawing 2-2 to Bristol City and losing 2-0 to the other Steel City football club, United.
After making 89 appearances for the Owls, he departed for Derby in the summer of 2022.
One to Keep An Eye On:
BBC Radio Sheffield journalist and reporter Adam Oxley posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account that he was “hearing” Barnsley were interested in a move for the ‘keeper.
He added that it was “one to keep an eye on” for the Oakwell faithful.
Wildsmith has more than 150 EFL appearances, the bulk of which came in the third tier.
Has The Potential To Be a Good Signing – Opinion:
Opinion seems to be split on the opinion bubble that is Twitter, but I think Joe Wildsmith would be a relatively good signing for Barnsley.
He proved his calibre during his time at Derby County, in a two-year stint that saw him pull off consistent big saves and secure last season’s golden glove. He is a capable goalkeeper, and the best in the division last term.
As Barnsley assemble a team they will be hoping can battle to reach the second tier, an automatic-promotion winner is never a bad addition.