[themaclad]

Barnsley have signed former Shamrock Rovers utility player Neil Farrugia on a free transfer.

He has signed a two-and-a half-year deal with the Reds, subject to international clearance, following the expiry of his contract with the League Of Ireland club.

The 25-year-old, who can play in either wing-back role or further forward, is not eligible for Saturday's home game against Crawley Town.

Farrugia made over 120 appearances for Shamrock Rovers, the last in a 5-1 Europa Conference League defeat by Chelsea on 19 December, and has represented Republic of Ireland at Under-18 and U21 levels.

"Neil had a good number of options but he sees an opportunity to progress here," Barnsley's Sporting Director Mladen Sormaz told the club website, external.

"He has also played in some big games this season which is also really important.

"Shamrock have been impressive in their European campaign this season and hopefully, Neil can bring that experience to Oakwell as we head into the business end of the campaign."

Barnsley are sixth in League One, having reached the play-offs in the last two seasons.

[themaclad]

Barnsley have signed goalkeeper Joe Gauci on loan from Aston Villa for the rest of the season.

Australia international Gauci, 24, joined Villa 12 months ago from A-League side Adelaide Strikers.

He played in both of Villa's Carabao Cup ties before Christmas but will now spend the next few months at Oakwell.

"This is a brilliant opportunity for myself to come and get some experience in English football and as well be here to help the club gain promotion and get back in the Championship," Gauci told the club's website, external.

Barnsley are ninth in League One, two points outside the play-offs with 18 games to go.

[themaclad]

Barnsley have signed French striker Clement Rodrigues from SC Bastia on loan until the end of the season, with a club option to make the deal permanent.

The 24-year-old arrives at Oakwell having scored three goals in 17 Ligue 2 games, and none since October, though he did score his fourth goal of the campaign in the Coupe de France before Christmas.

The Tykes have also signed Wolves wing-back Dexter Lembikisa on loan for rest of the campaign.

The 21-year-old made his senior debut against Leeds in an EFL Cup tie in November 2022, before making his Premier League debut three days later away against Arsenal.

The Jamaica international played 27 games on loan with Rotherham in the Championship last season and has also had spells with Hearts and Swiss club Yverdon Sport.

Rodrigues began his career with local side Angouleme, before enjoying spells with Deux Mers, FC Bassin d'Arcachon and US Concarneau, eventually arriving at SC Bastia in 2024.

Rodrigues told the club website, external: "England is the football capital of the world and I'm really happy to be here. The fans here are amazing and I can't wait to experience it."

Mladen Sormaz, Barnsley's sporting director added: "We are really pleased to see Clement arrive to bolster our attacking options.

"He is a player who possesses good athletic traits, including speed, pressing and movement in the box which we hope will bring another dimension to our forward line."