Barnsley will once again be looking to compete for a top six place in the Sky Bet Championship moving into next season after performing brilliantly during the campaign just gone at Oakwell. 

Valerien Ismael led the Tykes to unlikely promotion charge which ultimately ended in a play-off semi final defeat to Swansea City over two legs as the club just fell short of a place in the final at Wembley Stadium.

However it now appears that the Yorkshire club may have to do without the enigmatic Frenchman at the helm, with recent reports suggesting that he is on the verge of a move to West Bromwich Albion.

Despite his expected departure, Ismael leaves the club in a great place and there are certainly foundations for future success that have been laid with what is a predominately young squad.

Here, we take a look at TWO Barnsley youngsters who we could see breakthrough in the 2021/22 season...

Jack Aitchison

The striker previously arrived at Oakwell from Celtic in October of last year and is yet to feature for the first team.

He hit the headlines earlier in his career whilst at Celtic Park as he notched his first senior goal for the Hoops not long after making his debut.

Aitchison has already spent time out on loan in the lower levels of the Football League and is slowly showing signs of improvement.

He could be a candidate to fill the hole left up front by Daryl Dike's return to Orlando City and would provide competition for the likes of Cauley Woodrow.

Rudi Pache 

A talented centre back at the age of 18, Pache is a player that the club have big hopes for and they handed him a new three year contract back in June of last year.

Commanding in the air, the teenager also suits the way that the first team like to play football due to his ability to play his way out of tight situations in order to retain possession and start counter attacks.

He is yet to feature for the first team but could well get his chance over the next 12 months as he continues to impress at academy level.

Pache has featured for the under-23s on numerous occasions after being promoted from the under-18s.