Northern Ireland under-21 international Patrick Kelly has left West Ham United to sign a three-year deal with League One outfit Barnsley.
The highly-rated midfielder joined the Hammers three years ago from Coleraine after breaking through into the first-team with the Bannsiders as a seventeen year old.
In his first season at the London stadium he won the prestigious FA Youth Cup and the U18 Premier League South while last term he had a very successful loan spell with Doncaster Rovers culminating in them winning the League Two title.
“Patrick is a player we’ve tracked for some time,” said Barnsley Sporting Director, Mladen Sormaz. “He brings a different profile to our midfield and we’re thrilled to bring him to Oakwell on a permanent transfer.
“He’s shown real maturity for his age, with a strong grounding at West Ham and valuable senior experience contributing to Doncaster’s title win last season.
“We believe he has all the attributes to develop into a top midfielder and we’re excited to help him take the next step in his career here at Barnsley.”
Barnsley’s Head Coach, Conor Hourihane, said, “We’re really pleased to add Patrick to the group. He’s a dynamic, intelligent midfielder who fits the way we want to play.
“He’s had a brilliant grounding at youth international level and has already tasted success in a promotion-winning team, which will stand him in good stead.”
In his first interview with his new club, Kelly said: “I’m really happy to get it over the line. I was coming into my last year at West Ham and there was the option to go on loan to a few other clubs and there was quite a bit of interest from League One and Scotland.
“However, I had a good chat with my agent and we felt going permanent maybe the best step for me.”
The 20-year-old, who has also the option of a further year at Barnsley, could make his debut this coming weekend as the Tykes open their League One campaign with a trip to Plymouth Argyle.
