Last summer, Barnsley made a move to get Middlesbrough goalkeeper Liam Roberts on loan, and he has since shown to be an important member of the Yorkshire team.
This season, Barnsley has elevated him to the top as they aim to move up from League One.
The 29-year-old Roberts has played in 30 games for the Tykes across all competitions, with eight clean sheets.
Though his contract expires in late June, Neill Collins’ team must attempt to sign him long-term as he is scheduled to return to Riverside Stadium this summer.
No matter what league they play in, Barnsley should not hesitate to sign Roberts on a free transfer.
This season, he has shown himself to be a reliable player for the Tykes, and the Midlands native would have preferred to be on the field each week rather than on the sidelines for Middlesbrough.
The goalkeeper joined his parent club in 2022, and even though he was in a few games the previous season, the Championship team primarily utilized him as a backup.
He was granted a temporary release since he has fallen in Michael Carrick’s hierarchy, and all indications are that he will leave when his contract expires.
Roberts played 149 games for his hometown team after graduating from the Walsall Academy. After that, he played with Northampton Town until he teamed up with Boro.
If they are successful in signing him later this year, Barnsley may end up becoming his new home. They are now in fifth position in the third division standings, and with the top three teams—Portsmouth, Derby County, and Bolton Wanderers—gaining ground in recent weeks, the play-offs are beginning to seem more possible.
With eight games remaining, Collins’ team is currently 10 points within the top six after their most recent 0-0 draw at home against Cheltenham Town.
The only bright spot in the Tykes’ disappointing loss to the Robins was that Roberts managed to maintain a clean sheet.
Leave a Reply