Conor Hourihane has one huge task on his hands this summer at Barnsley, Wycombe Wanderers are already circling

Add as preferred source on Google

Barnsley had a very disappointing 2024/25 campaign and the new season must be better for the South Yorkshire outfit.

The Tykes finished 12th in League One last season, 17 points off a play-off place, and Conor Hourihane will be looking for a reaction in the coming months following their inconsistencies before the summer.

Davis Keillor-Dunn could be a significant target for others following an outstanding first year at Oakwell, but there is one other star who the club will be extremely keen to keep hold of.

Luca Connell has been a crucial player for Barnsley over the last few years and the midfielder started to look back to his best at times in 2024/25. However, there is interest in the midfielder.

• READ MORE – Ryan Mason outlines the ‘first thing’ he needs from his West Brom players, he already ‘feels at home’

Wycombe Wanderers have bid rejected by Barnsley for Luca Connell

It was reported by Mike Keegan on Wednesday evening that Wycombe Wanderers tabled a bid for the 24-year-old.

However, this was rejected by the Tykes despite it being a ‘substantial’ offer. While a surprise, Barnsley stood firm and Keegan explained that the League One outfit will not consider anything under seven-figures.

Connell signed a new four-year deal in South Yorkshire in 2023, and the club do have the protection of that. Therefore, they will be able to dictate any potential deal for the midfielder in the coming weeks and months.

• READ MORE – Norwich City set to sign the nephew of the ‘Derry Pele’ and former Northern Ireland international

Conor Hourihane has to keep Luca Connell at Oakwell

Barnsley need significant improvements to halt a disastrous campaign, and letting go of Connell is not the way to go about this summer.

The former Liverpool youth player is the current captain in S71 and at just 24, there is plenty of time for him to develop further and become a player who can help lead the club back to the Championship.

However, there will be a price that is too much to turn down, and no player is irreplaceable. Hourihane will have back-up options if Connell does depart, but if he can keep him around then that will be his desire with the new League One season under a month away.