Barnsley Football Club have completed the signing of midfielder Patrick Kelly from West Ham United on a three-year contract, with an option of a fourth year.
The 20-year-old Northern Irishman becomes the latest addition to Conor Hourihane’s squad as the Reds continue their push to return to the Championship during the 2025/26 campaign.
Kelly began his professional journey with Coleraine in the Northern Ireland Premiership, impressing with his technical maturity and work rate before earning a move to West Ham United in June 2022. He became a standout performer in the Hammers’ youth setup, playing a key role in their historic double win in the 2022/23 season — lifting both the FA Youth Cup and U18 Premier League South title.
His form at club level earned international recognition. In the 2023/24 cycle, Kelly featured in all ten of Northern Ireland U21’s UEFA Euro qualifiers, facing opponents such as England, Serbia, and Ukraine.
Seeking senior experience, Kelly joined Doncaster Rovers on loan for the 2024/25 season — making 38 appearances, scoring 3 goals, and playing a central role in their League Two title win.
Kelly now joins Barnsley on a permanent basis, adding vision and energy to a midfield that has been reshaped under new head coach Conor Hourihane.
What they said
Sporting Director Mladen Sormaz:
“Patrick is a player we’ve tracked for some time. 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.”
Head Coach Conor Hourihane:
“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 already tasted success in a promotion-winning team, which will stand him in good stead.”
Patrick Kelly:
“It’s a really good feeling. I’m really happy to get it over the line and I just can’t wait to get going.”
📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 League Two (Doncaster Rovers):
- 38 appearances, 3 goals, 2 assists
- 2,852 minutes played, 33 starts
- 84% pass accuracy
- 6.84 average match rating
- 1.4 key passes per game
- 65% tackle success rate
- 4 yellow cards, 0 red cards
🟥 ZONE CONFIRMED
@BarnsleyFC | @WestHam | @drfc_official
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