[BFC SITE] PATRICK KELLY SIGNS FOR THE REDS

Barnsley Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Patrick Kelly on a three-year deal, with a further year option in the Club’s favour.


The 20-year-old arrives from Premier League West Ham United after three years with the Hammers.

The midfielder started his career in his native Northern Ireland with Coleraine and has represented the national team at U19s.

His performances in the Northern Ireland Premier League attracted the attention of West Ham, signing for the Hammers in June 2022.

Kelly immediately made an impact within the youth setup, playing a key role in the side’s historic double as the young Hammers won the FA Youth Cup and the U18 Premier League South during the 2022/23 campaign.

During the following campaign our new man appeared in all ten of Northern Ireland U21s' UEFA European U21 Championship qualifiers against Luxembourg, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Serbia and England.

In the summer of 2024, Kelly joined fellow South Yorkshire outfit Doncaster Rovers on loan, finishing with 38 appearances and three goals as Rovers finished top of League Two, earning promotion back to League One after three years.




Kelly is wearing our official 2025/26 Oxen away shirt, on sale in-store and online from Friday 1 August.


Sporting Director, Mladen Sormaz, said, “Patrick is a player we’ve tracked for some time, he brings a different profile to our midfield and we’re thrilled to bring him to Oakwell on a permanent transfer.

“He’s shown real maturity for his age, with a strong grounding at West Ham and valuable senior experience contributing to Doncaster’s title win last season. We believe he has all the attributes to develop into a top midfielder and we’re excited to help him take the next step in his career here at Barnsley.”

Head Coach, Conor Hourihane, said, “We’re really pleased to add Patrick to the group.

“He’s a dynamic, intelligent midfielder who fits the way we want to play. He’s had a brilliant grounding at youth international level and has already tasted success in a promotion-winning team, which will stand him in good stead.

“We’re looking forward to working with him and helping him settle into the squad.”

Upon penning a long-term deal with the Club, Kelly added, “It’s a really good feeling.

“I’m really happy to get it over the line and I just can’t wait to get going.”

A full opening interview with our latest signing is available to view on our official YouTube channel HERE.

Welcome to Oakwell, Patrick.

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Sormaz: with a strong grounding at West ham
Hourihane: a brilliant grounding at youth international level

Corporate ********. This is why media interviews mean sod all. Hard to take anyone's words seriously when you can't decide if the media team are putting words in employees mouths or if they truly do both think alike.

Anyway good luck to the lad. Hope hes the next big thing

 

Welcome to the club, Patrick.

 

not sure if i missed something, was he released by west ham or have we paid a fee.
anyway, good luck patrick

 

Welcome to Oakwell young man.
May you prosper with us. Ignore any **** which comes your way, stay strong and work hard.

 

Bit leftfield, especially this time of the evening. Welcome to Oakwell.

 

Looks exciting, different positions but his ball carrying and bursts of speed remind me very much of a young Adam Hammill, looks very good technically.
Welcome Patrick

 

Hard to take any fan’s words seriously when such levels of cynicism prevail

 

Good luck Patrick


Is this the ‘winger’ Conor was referring to? Or a replacement for one of Phillips, Connell or Russell ? Presumably he has been signed for the first team

 

On West Ham website says he has left to join us but no mention of a fee. Was contracted until 2026.

 

It's very odd in an article of such length, announcing a new signing, including commentary from both Sporting Director and Head Coach, that there is zero information on the bit most fans want to know about... Did we spend any money on a transfer fee?

 

I thought we'd signed the so called Norn Iron comedian Patrick Kielty, at first.

 

I don't follow all the club socials, so could well have missed it... There are shots of what I'm guessing are between tunnel and changing rooms and the changed imagery that Hourihane wanted. I'm interested what they actually went with in the end given the focus on it by Hourihane followed by the club encouraging fans to share what they wanted.

 

Welcome Patrick.. can/does he play fullback or holding midfield?
Serious question..not a dig at anyone..

 

Box-to-box combative midfielder (hurrah!) he describes himself as in the vid, which may pave the way for Connell's exit, according to the gossip.

 

I would say no, as he had one year left and in his interview he said he had option to go on loan to other L1 & Scottish clubs, which suggests West Ham were happy to let him go.

 

We shouldn't have to guess though. I have a vague recollection we've done similar recently, can't recall the player though.

 

Yeah thanks mate.. What a great signing this could be. Just what we've lacked for ages, someone who wins the ball and actually runs with it. Not thinking first to pass sideways..
And sumert else.. if we'd signed last seasons fourth division champs Donny Rovers star 20 year old box to box midfielder for a million quid. Then everyone would be shouting from the roof tops..
Well we have minus the fee..
We'll done Mladen (fairs fare) think this is a cracking signing..

 

Welcome to Oakwell Patrick

 

With respect. Undisclosed or free does it really matter. I honestly am not bothered either way. And I'm not so sure most fans are desperate to know.
He fits in the budget. Whether that means someone is moving on, I'm sure we'll find out.

Welcome young man.