The Barnsley transfer model has been one that has given them a tag of developing young players. Some of these have been sold for profit, others have made the cut in the Championship to become regulars after arriving for usually modest fees.

The Reds have spent money this summer but had to change their approach at the end of the summer transfer deadline, in order to fill gaps in their squad. A sign of how well Barnsley’s player development has gone can be seen by the teams they have signed these loan players from.

A quick look at the latest UEFA Champions League odds and you will see both Manchester City and Bayern Munich towards the top of the betting. These are the two teams who have entrusted Barnsley to take their players on loan and continue their development.

Claudio Gomes from Manchester City and Remy Vita from Bayern Munich are the two arrivals, filling the need at both central midfield and left-back respectively. The players have been taken away from the youth teams of clubs who will feature heavily in Champions League betting tips you will see, and now they are expected to contribute regularly for a team in the bottom half of the Championship.

Without the style of recruitment at Barnsley, and their record for developing their own talent, these moves would likely not have happened. In the past, we’ve seen Barnsley described as a small club, but these moves show that the football world now respects what Barnsley do, and how they do it. The fact that two of the biggest names in European football trust Barnsley is something the club and fans should be proud of.

Expectations for Barnsley This Season

After missing out on Premier League promotion by losing in the playoff semi-finals last season, expectations for Barnsley are high once again. While the majority of fans are realistic and don’t expect another playoff run, the expectation is that this team will be able to finish in the top half.

Injuries and a tough fixture list haven’t helped their start, but winnable games are on the horizon and by the time we get into October, the league table should give a better idea of where Barnsley are.

One area they did lack was depth, which these two signings have solved. Ben Williams, who missed the entirety of last season due to injury, was the only natural left-back at the club before the arrival of Vita from Bayern. Claudio Gomes will add competition in midfield and, perhaps more importantly, bring a style of play that Barnsley didn't have – someone who can break play up and play a more defensive role in the middle of the park.

With the right numbers for each position, depth is no longer an excuse, and after being given time to settle, Barnsley need to start delivering and picking up some more points. The hope is that both Vita and Gomes can help them achieve that goal very soon.