West Bromwich Albion are among a number of sides interested in signing Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles.
That is according to Team Talk, who report that as well as the Baggies, Premier League duo Sheffield United and Burnley, are also keen on the Hungarian international. While European sides Union Berlin, Anderlecht, Braga, and Lens are also interested.
Styles started his career at Bury and played 47 times for the club before being signed by Barnsley in 2018.
The midfielder has been part of Barnsley’s success in League One, as well as the club’s time in the second tier, where they nearly secured promotion to the Premier League.
Styles spent last season on loan at Millwall before returning to Oakwell in the summer, where he is now a huge part of their side.
| Callum Styles’ stats per division (As it stands November 13th, per Transfer Market) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 124 | 9 | 6 |
| League One | 50 | 4 | 5 |
| League Two | 16 | 0 | 0
|
Here, FLW writers have discussed this news involving Styles and West Brom, as well as stating whether Barnsley should look to sell the midfielder.
Here is what they said…
Brett Worthington
Styles impressed enormously at Bury, and it seems Barnsley’s gamble to sign the player at such a young age has paid off, as he’s become crucial to their side.
The 23-year-old has impressed with the Tykes whether they have been in League One or the Championship, so it isn’t a surprise that teams are seriously looking at the player.
Styles has a great weapon in his game, as he can offer any manager or team versatility, as shown at Barnsley, where he’s operated in defence as well as in midfield.
Now back in his more familiar role of midfield, Styles is impressing once again this season, and while the Tykes will not want to lose such a key player midway through the campaign, the interest may be coming at a good time.
The Hungarian international is contracted to the club until 2025, meaning at the turn of the year, Barnsley will only have January or the summer to sell the player for a decent fee, unless a new deal is agreed.
It may be unlikely Styles will agree to a new contract, therefore, January could be seen as the best time to sell, as they could maximise the price they want for the player.
West Brom would be signing a player who has proven himself in the Championship before, and you would have to say they’re upgrading their midfield options.
Ned Holmes
This would be a smart bit of business from a West Brom perspective.
It wasn’t long ago that we were regularly talking about Callum Styles and a potential Premier League move so while his stock has fallen a little since then, snapping him up fairly cheaply would be a shrewd move.
The 23-year-old is full of energy and very versatile but has plenty of technical ability as well and has proven his quality at Championship level in the past.
Styles feels like the sort of player who could thrive under Carlos Corberan while the fact he’s entered the final 18 months of his deal will likely mean Barnsley will be open to offers.
The interest of Burnley and Sheffield United is a clear obstacle but their focus in January is likely to be signings that can help them stay in the Premier League, which could give the Baggies the opportunity to strike.
