Hull City Eye Reyes Cleary Move After Breakout Barnsley Season
Hull City are reportedly monitoring Reyes Cleary as the 21-year-old forward enjoys a breakout campaign with Barnsley in League One. The former West Brom academy product has turned heads across the Championship with six goals and 15 assists in 44 appearances—numbers that have sparked fresh transfer speculation ahead of the summer window.
From West Brom Prospect to League One Standout
Cleary’s football journey started at West Bromwich Albion, where he rose through the youth ranks and even made a few senior appearances. But with limited first-team opportunities, he opted for loan spells at Walsall and then Hartlepool United, where he began showing real promise. Last summer, rather than accept a one-year contract extension from West Brom, he made the permanent move to Barnsley—a decision that’s paying off handsomely.
His creative output this season has been exceptional for a player his age. Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder or winger, Cleary has consistently delivered both goals and assists, becoming a central figure in Barnsley’s push up the League One table. His vision, work rate, and ability to link play have drawn praise from coaches and scouts alike.
Growing Championship Interest
While January brought early murmurs of interest, no club pulled the trigger during the winter window. Now, with the season winding down and summer transfer planning underway, multiple Championship sides are circling. Hull City appear most serious, but they’re not alone:
- Sheffield United – Rebuilding after promotion push, seeking young attacking talent
- Swansea City – Known for developing technical players, could offer pathway to Premier League
- Preston North End – Looking to bolster squad depth with high-upside signings
All four clubs fit the profile of teams that value technical midfielders with upside—and Cleary checks those boxes. His age, contract status (he’s likely on a short-term deal), and production make him a low-risk, high-reward target.
Financial Angle for West Brom
West Brom may still benefit financially from any future sale. When Cleary left The Hawthorns permanently last summer, it’s widely believed the club negotiated a sell-on clause—standard practice when releasing promising academy graduates. If Hull or another club pays a fee above a certain threshold, West Brom would receive a percentage, softening the blow of letting him go.
This also adds urgency for interested parties. With Cleary outperforming expectations and his market value rising, delaying a move could mean paying more—or missing out entirely if he attracts Premier League attention next season.
What This Means for Hull City
Hull have been active in the lower-league talent market in recent windows, targeting players with clear development curves. Signing Cleary would align with their strategy of blending experienced Championship players with high-ceiling prospects. His versatility—able to play wide, centrally, or even as a second striker—gives manager Liam Rosenior tactical flexibility.
If the deal happens, Cleary wouldn’t necessarily walk into the starting XI immediately, but his skill set fills a gap in creativity that Hull have occasionally lacked. More importantly, his assist-heavy profile suggests he could thrive in a system built around quick transitions and wing play.
Key Takeaways
- Reyes Cleary has recorded 6 goals and 15 assists for Barnsley in League One this season
- Hull City lead a group of Championship clubs showing serious interest
- Sheffield United, Swansea, and Preston are also monitoring his situation
- West Brom likely hold a sell-on clause from his 2025 departure
- Cleary rejected a contract extension with West Brom to join Barnsley permanently
- His blend of youth, productivity, and technical ability makes him a compelling summer target
While nothing is confirmed yet, the momentum is building. If Cleary maintains his form through the end of the season, a Championship move seems increasingly likely—and Hull City are positioning themselves at the front of the queue.
— Editorial Team
