Barnsley’s bid for Birmingham City defender Emmanuel Longelo was approved, according to Sky Sports News’ Tim Thornton.
With so many big signings at St. Andrew’s this summer, it is likely that a couple prominent names may leave the Blues during this window. One of them appears to be Longelo, who has just been with the club for 18 months on permanent basis. After impressing on loan from West Ham United throughout the first half of the 2022/23 season, the defender’s loan was extended in January 2023 to become permanent. Longelo would cost the Championship team just shy of £400,000, and it’s fair to say that he definitely hasn’t quite hit the heights that were first expected that he could for
The club Including the loan term, the 23-year-old has made just 45 professional appearances for Birmingham, and his move appears to have been a failure. With only two appearances in 2024, one of which was in an FA Cup replay, it’s not surprising to see him leave this summer, especially with the team aiming to rebuild after being relegated to the third division.
Longelo was highly regarded after graduating from West Ham’s academy, but his strong youth achievements have not necessarily translated to the professional game. Nonetheless, a change of scenery could help get his career back on track, and he still has a lot of promise. 
A move for the left-sided defender appears to be on the horizon, with Sky Sports News reporting that Barnsley’s proposal for the defender was approved by the Blues. Now regarded direct competitors, it might be a good move for the 23-year-old, who will have the opportunity to face his previous team in the coming season.
The Tykes, like Birmingham, are going through a renovation this summer, albeit not to the same level. Darrell Clarke is now in charge, and he will have the entire transfer window to sign the players he wants in the future. 
There are undoubtedly some risks associated with Longelo’s deal, but it is one that has the potential to provide significant benefits.
Writer’s perspective
After being left out of Birmingham’s pre-season trip to Austria, it appeared that Longelo would be leaving this summer. Although he is being sold to a direct opponent, the Blues’ hierarchy is unlikely to be concerned.
Following two consecutive play-off losses, Barnsley will be looking for third time lucky under Darrell Clarke. They do, however, face an uphill task, since the third tier appears to be stronger than ever. Nonetheless, they appear to have some form of direction, and the signing of Longelo may enhance their promotion prospects.
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