Sean Dyche Burnley
BURNLEY midfielder Josh Benson has completed a move to Championship side Barnsley. The former Arsenal youngster departs having made 12 senior appearances for the Clarets including two Premier League starts. The 21-year-old has moved to Oakwell for an undisclosed fee, which it is reported could reach £1million, and signed a four-year deal.
Josh Benson said: “I’m buzzing to be here and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans. I was impressed last season by how close they got to promotion and getting in the play-offs, so I’m excited to join the team. I’ve had a taste of the Premier League and that’s definitely my main goal, to play in the Premier League.”
Barnsley FC Co-chairman,
Paul Conway, added: “We are very excited to have acquired Josh, who immediately strengthens our midfield. As we continue to progress, we aim to bring in unique talent to assist us in our next step and Josh’s experience at Premier League level is an important evolution of the squad. Also, the length of this deal is significant, as it demonstrates both the club’s long-term commitment to Josh and his commitment to the club.”
Benson had spent three seasons with the Clarets after signing in the summer of 2018 following a successful spell on trial in the Under-23s. He then progressed through the Academy ranks to make it into the Clarets’ senior squad. And following a loan spell with Grimsby Town in the 2019/20 season he made his senior Burnley debut in September 2020.
Burnley said: “The midfielder now gets the chance to further his career with Barnsley and everyone at Turf Moor wishes him well in the future.”
The Tykes are looking to build on an impressive run to the play-offs after a fifth-placed finish in the Championship under Valerien Ismael. He has now moved on to West Bromwich Albion and been replaced by Austrian Markus Schopp. The 47-year-old was capped 56 times and played at the 1998 World Cup and has moved to Oakwell following a successful spell at TSV Hartberg.
