Why Connor Barrett Is The Perfect Fit For Walsall – Opinion

Yesterday, Walsall announced their first signing of the summer transfer, adding defender Connor Barrett to their ranks from National League side AFC Fylde.

The full-back has made the switch to the EFL off the back of an impressive campaign in the National League with Chris Beech’s side but the exact fee of the transfer is still yet to be decided.

Despite this, here are the reasons why I believe this signing is a really good bit of business from the Saddlers…

A natural right wing-back

Walsall have been without a natural wing-back for the last 18 months, when Liam Bennett returned to his parent club Cambridge United in January 2023.

Since then both Michael Flynn and Mat Sadler have decided to shoehorn Tom Knowles in that position, one which didn’t see the best out of the forward-thinking player.

It was always a priority to recruit a right-wing back this summer and with it being our first signing, it shows it was one of the club’s main priorities as well.

Great potential

Personally, Barrett has a real potential to be one of the top right-wing backs in League Two next season.

He is still only 22 years old and has plenty of experience in the National League. He excelled at Kettering Town before moving to Fylde. In the previous two seasons, he has featured 81 times showing he very rarely gets injured.

I think the club tying him down to a three-year deal speaks volumes, identifying that he has the potential to be a real top player for the Saddlers.

Improvement going forward

With his time at the Coasters, he managed to notch up an impressive seven goals and 17 assists from right wing-back. 11 of these 17 assists came in the National League for Fylde last season, which were vital for the club to retain their place in the division.

His attacking play seems all-rounded. He is comfortable using both feet to deliver real quality crosses into the box, which will be a positive in our play, giving more service to our front two.

He has a real ability to drive into space and get into one-versus-one scenarios, which will help Walsall get up the pitch and execute devasting counterattacks.

Suiting the club’s recruitment plan

One of Trivela’s ideas that they wanted to implement when recruiting new signings was to bring players in that the club could develop and possibly make profit further down the line.

Barrett ticks all the boxes when it comes to this. He is at a perfect age to kick on now in his footballing career as he will have the hunger to fulfil his potential securing his first EFL move.

The club have also has some good success recruiting from the National League in the past. Jack Earing when fully fit is a big part of Walsall’s midfield, signing from Halifax in 2021. Ryan Stirk who joined this time last season has a successful loan spell at Bromley.