As we reach the end of June, clubs are releasing players they no longer need. Among them is a Man Utd outcast who was once at the top of his game at Barnsley.
The summer transfer window has already produced some interesting deals in the EFL, with the likes of Hector Kyprianou signing for Watford, and Stoke City fans getting excited about Sorba Thomas.
There’s still a long way to go, though, and we expect a number of big moves to develop as the months go by.
We know there are a lot of Championship players ready to play in the Premier League, but this story of a failed move to Manchester United must surely be a warning to any EFL starlets looking to jump to the big time.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
How Tom Wooster went from Barnsley’s young player of the year to Man Utd reject
Barnsley are currently hoping to sign Owen Goodman to stand between the sticks for them next season. But just a few years ago, they had an incredible prospect in the goalkeeper position.
Tom Wooster joined Man Utd back in November 2020 after being named Barnsley’s young player of the year.
Speaking about Wooster prior to the move (via the Barnsley club website), academy boss Bobby Hassell said: “Tom’s distribution from the goalkeeper position is as good as anything in the country for his age and we have high hopes that he will go on in the coming years to become Barnsley’s number one.”
Obviously, United’s swoop put an end to that hope. But far from heading for greatness at Old Trafford, Wooster has spent the last four-and-a-half years trying to find a way through to the first-team, and hasn’t had any success.
Loan spells at Ramsbottom, Macclesfield, and Farsley haven’t improved his standing, and the Red Devils recently made the decision to release the 20-year-old this summer.
Wooster has never made a first-team appearance for Man Utd. He has made the bench a couple of times, albeit in pre-season, but will now be looking for a new club.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
EFL stars should be wary about big moves to top teams
Obviously, many young players will back themselves to put in the hard work and make the necessary breakthrough at the top clubs if and when they get their dream moves.
It’s mighty hard to suggest that any of the best young players in the EFL should turn down the likes of Manchester United, because when it goes right, it can transform their career.
You look at the likes of Jude Bellingham, Adam Wharton, Jarrod Bowen, Harry Maguire — all of whom hit the big time after leaving the EFL — and it’s clear there is a path for progress.
But, as we watch the situations around the likes of Hayden Hackney, who is tipped for a Premier League switch this summer, it’s hard not to worry about what could happen if it all goes wrong.