JUST NOW: Pundit: “There’ll be a queue” for Barnsley star to switch to Stoke City

Barnsley will play in League One next season even though they prevailed in an exciting five-goal match in the second leg of their play-off semi-final on Tuesday night.

They defeated Bolton Wanderers 3-2 on the road thanks to a brace from Sam Cosgrove and a goal from Adam Phillips; sadly, the damage had already been done in the previous leg.

Despite Tuesday’s outcome, the Trotters had won the first tie 3-1 at Oakwell, meaning they would go to Wembley with a 5-4 overall triumph.

The match between Bolton and Oxford United will now take place at Wembley on May 18 to determine which team will play in the Championship the following season and which one will not play the Tykes in 2024–25.

Devante Cole’s future at Barnsley is uncertain

in the air

With striker Devante Cole’s contract set to expire this summer and the fact that Barnsley has not been promoted, the club now faces a difficult scenario.

The 29-year-old scored 18 goals in League One this year, but he could leave this summer as he is now expected to be available on a free transfer.

Several clubs have been linked with his signature previously, too, meaning he could have several options to choose from.

In the past, Middlesbrough, Bristol City, Swansea City and Stoke City are just a few of the Championship sides said to have held an interest in the striker.

Carlton Palmer discusses Devante Cole’s Barnsley future

With the above in mind, we asked former England international midfielder and pundit Carlton Palmer for his thoughts on what the future could hold for Cole.

Palmer was clear that he believes the 29-year-old will move on this summer.

“Devante Cole, Barnsley’s talented striker is out of contract this summer, and with Barnsley failing to get promoted, they will struggle now to keep Devante on,” Palmer said when speaking to FLW.

“I would be very surprised if Devante signs a new contract at Barnsley.

“The striker has scored 16 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions last season and then built on that from a personal perspective this time around.

“He’s been very integral for Barnsley again this season, scoring 18 goals in 49 outings. Clubs were looking at him before, such as Middlesbrough, Stoke City, Swansea City, Bristol City, Hull and Cardiff were all eyeing Devante and I expect there’ll be a queue for his services.

“The only way Barnsley could have kept Devante Cole – they needed to get promotion back to the Championship. So, back-to-back defeats in play-off situations, last year and this year, will signal the end for Devante and he’ll be moving on to pastures new.”