Huddersfield Town have returned with an improved bid for 25-year-old Andy Yiadom after being slammed by Barnsley coach Paul Heckingbottom. Heckingbottom labelled the bid disrespectful for one of the best full-backs in the Championship.
The Terriers initially went in with a tentative £750,000 bid but must match Barnsley’s £2m valuation of the player if they want to conclude the signing.
The 25-year-old is also reportedly on the radar of Swansea City and QPR. With just a year left on his contract, Barnsley doesn’t have much leverage on the player but would be hoping that a bidding war ensues with a host of clubs interested in securing the services of the player.
Although Barnsley boss Heckingbottom is not too keen on letting go of the player who featured heavily for them in the last campaign, he could be persuaded to sell if the right offer comes in. Barnsley chief executive Gauthier Ganaye said: “Andy has one-year left on his contract and we are aiming to offer him a new deal. If Yiadom can be convinced to put pen to paper, even if the player doesn’t end up staying beyond August, it would strengthen the club’s hand in transfer negotiations.
The Terriers have had a busy transfer window having already announced the likes of Laurent Depoitre from FC Porto, Tom Ince from Derby County, Mathias Jorgensen from FC Copenhagen, Scott Malone from Fulham and Steve Mounie from Montpellier, with the last signing especially exciting the fans.
With the addition of Yiadom, Huddersfield would take another step in the direction of ensuring they stay afloat in the Premier League and avoid relegation. The Ghanaian came to Oakwell from League Two side Barnet on a two-year deal last season and became a permanent fixture in Heckingbottom’s side till he dislocated his shoulder towards the wee end of the campaign.
The defender, equally at ease on either flank, is exceptionally composed on the ball and is known for his dribbling skills. Alongside boasting superior ball interception and readiness to commit to tackles, his ability to dribble his way out of tight situations and more or less good crossing, yielding 3 assists over the course of the season, makes him an attractive proposition for Premier League teams who are increasingly fielding personnel in that position who can contribute both defensively and on the offense.
It remains to be seen whether Huddersfield’s second offer for the player comes to fruition or any other club ends up snapping the player. If Yiadom ends up plying his craft in the Premier League next season, he’d be one to watch out for.
