Devante Cole is likely to be a hot topic of discussion in the upcoming January transfer window, with significant interest and speculation surrounding the Barnsley striker. Cole, instrumental in guiding his team to the League One play-off final last season, is once again making a mark in the current campaign, having scored 12 goals in 19 League One appearances.
Despite the reported interest from Championship clubs such as Middlesbrough, Stoke City, and Swansea City, it appears that securing Cole’s services won’t be a straightforward task. Barnsley’s manager, Neill Collins, has indicated that the club will adopt a firm stance and demand a substantial sum for the striker in January.
While this approach may seem risky given Cole’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, Barnsley seems determined to maximize their returns. Collins emphasized that it would require a “serious sum” for any potential buyer to lure Cole away during the ongoing campaign.
The gamble for Barnsley lies in the fact that, by holding onto Cole until the summer, they risk losing him on a free transfer. However, his pivotal role in their promotion push makes it a risk worth taking. Cole’s goal-scoring prowess is unmatched in the team, with no other player in League One netting more than three goals this season.
Considering the financial implications, the potential funds generated from achieving promotion – including prize money, increased television revenue, and higher gate receipts in a superior division – could outweigh the fee they might receive from selling Cole in January. Furthermore, moving up a division might open the door for contract extension negotiations, providing Barnsley with an opportunity to secure a more lucrative deal for Cole in the future.
In essence, by standing firm on Cole’s future in January, Barnsley aims to optimize their chances of a substantial financial gain in the long run, even if it means risking the possibility of losing the striker for free in the summer.
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