Exciting young forward arrives at Oakwell.
We are delighted to announce the signing of 21-year-old striker Patrick Schmidt, who has signed a four-year contract with Barnsley Football Club, with a further year option in the club’s favour.
A forward full of pace, energy and with a keen eye for goal, Schmidt arrives at Oakwell after an impressive 2018/19 season in the Austrian Bundesliga. In his final 17 matches of the league campaign, he netted eight goals, whilst operating in different areas, both as a striker and on the wing when required to do so.
Schmidt’s performances at a young age have caught the attention of many, with further recognition at international level. He has represented his native Austria through the age groups, with multiple appearances at all levels from the Under 16s to Under 21s.
After becoming the Reds’ twelfth addition of the summer window, Patrick told barnsleyfc.co.uk he was excited to begin a new chapter of his career.
He said: “I watched some videos of Barnsley from last season and also the game against Fulham, which was very good, I watched the highlights. This is a very good league and I’m happy to be here, and I hope I can help the team to win.
“I like the style of how Barnsley play and I think it fits with my style of play. I think it’s great that he [Daniel Stendel] likes to attack and do some high pressing and wants to score goals. I’ve already heard from some of our staff that he’s a positive, crazy man and I think that I’ll fit in very well.”
CEO Dane Murphy was pleased to capture the deadline day signing of such a highly-rated youngster, telling barnsleyfc.co.uk: “Patrick was a top target for the club. We made several bids on him since the opening of the transfer window and we are excited to finally have him on board. He has been a consistent member of the Austrian youth international set-up from a young age and has shown his goal scoring ability in the Austrian Bundesliga. We are confident of this trend continuing during his tenure at the Oakwell.”
Co-Chairman Paul Conway has spoken to barnsleyfc.co.uk about the summer transfer window.
He said: "The club considers the summer 2019 transfer incoming signings the most successful in the club's history. Twelve permanent signings were completed, Mike Bähre, Luke Thomas, Mads Andersen, Brad Collins, Samuel Radlinger, Conor Chaplin, Toby Sibbick, Mallik Wilks, Bambo Diaby, Aapo Halme, Clarke Oduor and Patrick Schmidt. We strongly believe we have significantly upgraded the squad compared to our departing players. Most signings were completed on at least four-year deals. The club and supporters also are extremely proud that all new squad members are committed to the long term future and vision of the club and we are proud to be a club in the Sky Bet Championship with no loan players. Our strategy is very clear with a strong focus on young exciting players and further developing players from the Barnsley Academy. We will not be developing other club's players in the pursuit of short term gain. We once again want to thank our tremendous supporters and we look forward to seeing many of you at Hillsborough on Saturday. Come on you Reds!"
