Reyes Cleary transfer truth emerges as Barnsley training photos provide Bristol City twist

Reyes Cleary remains a Barnsley player despite reports linking the winger with a move to Bristol City, with the latest training pictures providing a fresh twist to the transfer story.

The 22-year-old was prominently featured in Barnsley’s training content ahead of their League One opener against Bromley, appearing to put to bed suggestions that he was on the verge of completing a move to Ashton Gate.

Bristol City have been one of the more ambitious Championship clubs in the transfer market this summer and have placed a strong focus on recruiting players capable of making the jump from League One.

The Robins appointed Michael Skubala after his impressive title-winning campaign with Lincoln City, while they have also strengthened their squad with the likes of Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle, Lorent Tolaj and Dom Ballard.

Cleary has emerged as another player on their radar, with reports earlier suggesting that the winger had travelled to Bristol to complete a move.

However, Barnsley’s latest training post featured Cleary prominently, casting immediate doubt over those claims.

Barnsley Chronicle reporter Doug O’Kane subsequently indicated that Cleary was not at Bristol City’s training ground, although interest from the Championship club is understood to be genuine.

That interest is hardly surprising given Cleary’s performances last season.

The former West Brom academy player finished the campaign with 20 goal contributions and recorded 13 assists, the best tally in the league. His reputation also grew significantly after he impressed on the national stage during Barnsley’s FA Cup meeting with Liverpool.

Barnsley have previously rejected an approach from Blackburn Rovers for the winger. Blackburn reportedly returned with another attempt shortly afterwards, prompting Barnsley to place a £5 million valuation on their prized asset.

It remains unclear whether that figure would still be enough to convince Barnsley to sell, but the club have little reason to rush into a deal.

The Reds have developed a reputation for maximising the value of their players when selling, and Cleary’s outstanding campaign means they are unlikely to let him leave cheaply.

Barnsley fans enjoy Bristol City transfer twist

For now, Cleary is still part of the Barnsley squad, and supporters were quick to enjoy the irony after seeing him feature in the club’s training pictures.

Some fans joked about the earlier reports suggesting he had already travelled to Bristol, while others used the images to tease Bristol City supporters.

Despite the latest development, a summer departure remains a possibility.

Bristol City have shown genuine interest and are building an exciting attack under Skubala. The additions of Tolaj and Ballard have already strengthened their forward options, and Cleary would provide another dynamic attacking threat.

The step up from League One to the Championship can be difficult, but Cleary’s performances have made him one of the more intriguing young attacking players in the EFL.

For now, though, Bristol City cannot assume the deal is close.

Cleary remains at Oakwell, and Barnsley are under no pressure to sell. If the Robins eventually manage to get the deal over the line, it could prove to be one of the more significant Championship transfers of the summer.