Barrow have completed the signing of experienced winger Tom Barkhuizen on a two-year deal after his departure from Derby County.
The 32-year-old brings a wealth of Football League experience to Holker Street and becomes the club’s latest addition ahead of the 2025/26 League Two campaign. Barkhuizen is set to face former side Preston North End in the Carabao Cup first round on August 9.
The Blackpool-born wide man was a free agent after leaving Derby this summer, having made 113 appearances across three seasons for the Rams. Barkhuizen helped the club gain promotion back to the Championship in 2023/24, playing a valuable role in Paul Warne’s squad.
Barkhuizen’s career journey
Barkhuizen began his senior career at Blackpool, where he made his debut during their brief Premier League stay under Ian Holloway. After loan spells at Hereford United, Fleetwood Town, and Morecambe, he joined Morecambe permanently in 2015 and quickly became one of League Two’s standout performers.
His form earned him a move to Preston North End in late 2016, where he became a mainstay at Deepdale over a five-year period. Barkhuizen made 209 appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing 21 assists, and remains a popular figure among PNE fans.
Following Preston’s rebuild in 2022, Barkhuizen signed for Derby County, helping them earn promotion from League One and playing 22 times across all competitions in his final season at Pride Park.
A statement addition for Barrow
Barrow boss Andy Whing is delighted to have secured the winger’s services:
“We’re really excited to be able to bring in someone of Tom’s quality. He’s had a fantastic career to date at a higher level and he’s as ambitious as we are to help move the club forward.
Tom can play in a number of forward positions and gives us something different with his directness and eye for goal.”
The Bluebirds are hoping to build on last season’s 16th-place finish and Barkhuizen’s arrival could prove to be a key moment in their summer recruitment.
📊 FotMob Career Stats (All Competitions)
- Blackpool – 27 apps, 2 goals
- Hereford United (loan) – 38 apps, 11 goals
- Morecambe (loan + perm) – 64 apps, 17 goals
- Preston North End – 209 apps, 37 goals, 21 assists
- Derby County – 113 apps, 14 goals, 11 assists
- Career total: 451 apps, 81 goals, 32 assists
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