SPFL side St Mirren have been joined by League One due Shrewsbury Town and Bristol Rovers in their pursuit of League Two Barrow defender Theo Vassell.Â
The January window is now open, leaving many clubs with the unenviable position of having to decide whether to cash in on their soon-to-be out of contract stars, or keep them at the club until the end of the season. They may choose the latter in an attempt to convince the player to sign a new contract, or to utilise their value on the pitch, with the difficulty of replacing a player mid-way through a season often too challenging.
Barrow are one such club left with such a decision. Theo Vassell’s contract is set to expire with the club at the end of the season, which has prompted interest from several clubs. The 28-year-old has been a key component of the club’s season, appearing 31 times across all competitions.
According to a report by Football Insider, two League One sides, Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury Town have been joined by SPFL side St Mirren in weighing up a move this month.
A Difficult Market for League One sides
The budgets in League One have skyrocketed this season, in large part due to the additions of Wrexham and Birmingham City, who have inflated the market. This means that clubs with smaller budgets are having to be far more creative with their spending.
The targeting of players that are entering the final few months of their contract could be a good move, however, with competition likely to be high, what they save in transfer fee could end up added to the overall wage bill.
Barrow’s Mixed League Two Season
With how solid and competitive Barrow have been in the past, especially under former manager Pete Wild, it is easy to forget the club are punching above their weight alongside sides with much bigger budgets and a greater pull. They sit solidly mid-table with 28 points from 24 games, in 15th position but have failed to win in four attempts.
They will be likely hoping to utilise the market to bolster their playing squad. The sale of Vassell would be a blow, but if they can get some funds and manage to replace him sufficiently, whilst also strengthening another position it may be a good move. However, with the length of his contract taken into account, it is likely that the fee that would be offered would be low. His value on the pitch may be worth more than the fee they would receive.
