Newcastle have announced a new long-term contract for academy product Dan Barlaser, who will now join Rotherham United for the 2019/20 season on loan.
The Millers recently dropped down to the third tier of English football after struggling in the Championship last term, as Paul Warne’s men limped across the line with just eight wins and a minus-31 goal difference to their name.
Warne’s New York Stadium outfit have been busy strengthening the squad as they prepare for life in League One, though, with Barlaser representing their sixth new face through the door.
Barlaser, on the other hand, had spent the recently concluded campaign in League One with Accrington Stanley, for whom he represented on 48 occasions across all competitions, scoring thrice and assisting twice.
He will now prepare for another season in the third tier, before returning to Tyneside in May 2020, hoping to add a fourth senior Magpies appearance to his name.
The Gateshead-born, former Turkey U17 midfielder had been highly sought-after in the transfer market, with Wigan Athletic thought to have prepared an offer to sign the 22-year-old in May after keeping regular tabs on his progress while on loan with Accrington Stanley.
Paul Cook’s Latics were, at the time, understood to have moved ahead of Preston North End in the race for his signature, as Newcastle chiefs were keen to see the Magpies product test himself in a higher division. They were reluctant to give the green light to a move until he put pen to paper on a new deal at St James’ park, however.
The 6ft midfielder’s previous contract was due to expire next summer, having not seen revised terms offered since putting pen to paper on a professional deal in 2015 following his promotion to our Under 23s.
Barlaser now signing a new, long-term contract is a positive conclusion for all, as it allows the former U17 international to continue his development in a challenging division, without United risking the midfielder leaving the Magpies for free next year.
If the 22-year-old’s time at the New York Stadium proves productive, a loan move to a top-half Championship side may be on the cards next summer, if he is not considered ready for a first-team role at St James’ Park.