[BFC SITE] Interview | Clément Rodrigues

The Reds' deadline day recruit, Clément Rodrigues, has arrived at Oakwell eager to make an impact.

The 24-year-old forward joins the Reds on loan until the end of the season from SC Bastia, with the club holding an option to make the move permanent in the summer. Speaking about his move to England, Rodrigues expressed his excitement at the opportunity.

"I'm really happy to be here and sign for the Reds," he said. "As a player, I am a complete player who can run in behind and keep possession of the ball. I am also good with the head and quick, so I am a pretty complete player."

✍️ Bienvenue, Clément Rodrigues!

The French striker arrives at Oakwell on loan until the end of the season, with a Club option to make the move permanent in the summer

— Barnsley FC (@barnsleyfc) February 3, 2025​

Rodrigues’ journey to South Yorkshire has been one of steady progression. The Frenchman started his career at Angoulême, working his way up through the lower leagues before making a name for himself at Concarneau. After helping them achieve promotion to Ligue 2, he earned a move to SC Bastia, where he continued to develop.

England is the best country for football, so yes, it is a dream to be here. - Clément Rodrigues (On joining the Reds)

"When I was young, I played around Angoulême, the fourth national level. I was in the academy for this team and grew up the levels into the senior team. Then I left for the sixth division, before signing for a third division team called Concarneau. Six months later, the club was promoted to the second division. I had a great season that made me sign for Bastia. I've done the first six months of the season there before coming here."

His rise through the ranks has shaped him into the player he is today, learning from tougher opponents along the way. "It made me improve quicker with stronger and older players, it helps me a lot," he added.

Rodrigues now faces a new challenge in English football – something he has always dreamed of. "As many football players do, England is the best country for football, so yes, it is a dream to be here. It's a great opportunity for me."

With his ability to link up play, run in behind defences, and compete aerially, the striker will be hoping to hit the ground running for the Reds. But beyond football, he’s also looking forward to experiencing the passion of the Reds faithful.

"I'm really excited by this new challenge. It's a new culture, football in England is something else. I can't wait to see the fans in the stadium."



Continue reading...

 

I like the black shorts instead of red ones.

 

"As a player, I am a complete player who can run in behind and keep possession of the ball. I am also good with the head and quick, so I am a pretty complete player."

Fair play to him. No-one can accuse him of lacking confidence after reading that.

 

He’s not Sam Cosgrove, so that’s good.

The issue is, we needed to add options in forward areas. We haven’t done.

 

Spot on correct.The lack of another striker is a concern but reading some comments this week the player we need hasn't been born yet.
Over 30 too old his legs have gone.
Early 20 S no experience.
Personally I would have been delighted with a "Jordan Rhodes "type but the meltdown on here would have been off the scale.The windows shut firm now and I'm prepared top see how things go now the squads been somewhat refreshed like Clarke wanted.
No turning back onwards and upwards.

 

There’s always the free agent market I guess.

And maybe, Rodrigues not only does well, but his style brings out the best of Humphrys, Watters, DKD? I don’t know.

I hope that Benson now comes into the reckoning considering he’s still on our books. Fit, he’s as good as anything else we’ve got in that position.

 

Just one question.....does he have or need a visa/permit to play?

 

He's not gonna say 'Je suis total kak' though is he?

 

Oreyt, oreyt, run in behind, link play, aerial ability, good good...

Erm.... can tha scooer goals lad??!!

 

Further info from a local journalist in Doug's piece in the Chronicle...

“Clement is a very nice guy but there was a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Two number nines left the team last summer and Clement was not supposed to be alone. So he had to succeed immediately and the step was too high.

"He did the job during the first months, scoring an important goal against Martigues – maybe his best play. He is skilful, he is brave. Maybe he’s not powerful enough in the duel. But most of all he needs self-confidence.”

Over to Darrell to blow some smoke up his arse.

link

 

Refreshed or stripped bare? It certainly has in the striking department anyway. No mention of visas or work permits for Rodrigues yet, they’re saving that little gem for now.
The choice on Saturday in a supposed playoff 6 pointer is DKD and Humphrys with Dyer as back up.
Unforgivable.

 

Yes he does. Hopefully it's sorted sharpish.

 

We could always put Phillips with or behind dkd and Humphrys and bring the wolves lad wide right in midfield.