Sources: Barnsley agree deal to sign Daniel Johnson
Barnsley are set to sign former Preston North End star Daniel Johnson on a free transfer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 34-year-old has been available after leaving Turkish outfit Fatih Karagumruk upon the expiry of his contract in June, and is now set for a return to English football.
Barnsley have agreed terms with the Jamaica international, who will undergo medical tests at Oakwell before putting pen to paper on a deal to complete his transfer.
Daniel Stendel has been keen to explore the free agent market to bolster his squad after a slow start to the season in League One, with a new midfielder high on his list.
Capable of playnig across the midfield roles, Johnson has been targeted to fill gaps in the squad, with his experience seen as a valuable asset after 336 appearances for Preston.
Should everything go to plan, Johnson will link up with his Barnsley teammates and is ready to play a role in the squad as they look to reverse their early-season form.
Why have Barnsley targeted Daniel Johnson?
Football Insider revealed back in 2024 that Johnson would complete his move to Karagumruk after leaving Stoke City, despite interest from other clubs in English football.
Now, he looks set to finally make a return to League One, with Barnsley moving to land him as a free agent amid ongoing concerns about their current options.
Stendel's squad is sorely lacking depth in a number of key areas, and with just five senior central midfielders on the books, they have moved to strengthen the position.
Johnson has made over 350 appearances in the EFL, with the bulk of those coming in the Championship, and will bring quality and experience to what is a young Barnsley squad.
There is optimism that he will play a key role both on and off the pitch when he completes his move, with work being done to get the deal over the line.
Why are Barnsley aiming to strengthen their squad?
Barnsley have entered the free agent market in search of new additions amid ongoing concerns about a difficult start to the season and a potential threat of relegation.
They currently sit 18th after seven League One games, with two wins, two draws and three defeats in that time, while they have failed to win in seven across all competitions.
Football Insider reported in August that Opta's supercomputer has predicted Barnsley to drop into the relegation zone, with the risk of the drop looming at Oakwell.
There will be optimism that Johnson's arrival will strengthen where they have so far been lacking and help to get a handle on their recent dip in form.