Powerful winger signs on loan until the end of the 2016/17 season.
We are thrilled to announce the signing of Celtic winger Saidy Janko who has today completed a move to Oakwell.
Switzerland Under 21 international right winger Janko, who can also operate comfortably as a right back, arrives from the Scottish giants on loan until the end of the 2016/17 season.
At just 20-years-old, the fast paced, strong and tall wide man boasts a wealth of experience including appearances in the Sky Bet Championship, Scottish Premiership, Europa League and Champions League.
Born in Zurich, Janko progressed quickly through the youth ranks at FC Zurich, and it was not long before his talent attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Manchester United monitored the young winger’s progress intently throughout his early career and the Red Devils moved quickly to secure his signature in 2013 as he completed a move to Old Trafford. Janko went straight into the illustrious Manchester United academy system alongside some of the brightest young prospects in English football, including Marcus Rashford and former Barnsley loan star Ashley Fletcher.
A loan move to Bolton in February 2015 gave Janko the opportunity to test himself at Championship level and he clocked up 10 appearances for the Trotters, including an exquisite long range goal against Fulham (see video above).
His strong performances on loan at Bolton attracted the attentions of Scottish giants Celtic and the winger made the move north of the border in July 2015. Since then he has continued to enhance his growing reputation as a right-sided player who can surge forward and deliver quality balls into the box. More recently he has gone on to represent Celtic in the Champions League and Europa League, including the Hoops recent European qualifying campaign.
Throughout his early career Janko has also progressed well through the Swiss international setup and has represented his country continually at Under 19, Under 20 and Under 21 levels. Saidy is currently away with the Swiss Under 21 squad as they prepare to take on Kazakhstan in an upcoming U21 European Championship qualifying clash - but today took time out to sign for the Reds!
The move to the Reds will see Janko showcase his talents in the EFL Sky Bet Championship and Reds Head Coach Paul Heckingbottom is thrilled to have secured yet another key summer transfer target.
“I’m delighted to welcome Saidy to Oakwell as he represents a huge signing for the Football Club. Not only has he progressed through one of the most prestigious youth systems in England at Manchester United, but he’s also performed on some of the biggest stages in European football.
“He is powerful, robust and will provide us with a whole new dimension out on the wing. We’ve seen what he can do consistently in the Scottish Premiership and I believe he’s got what it takes to make a huge impact at Championship Level. Make no mistake, this is a fantastic acquisition for us and I can’t wait to start working with him.”
Watch the video of Saidy in action above and see what the Reds latest signing is capable of!
We’ll be putting the fans questions to Saidy as part of our ‘Getting To Know…’ series, which will appear on Barnsley Player HD! Want to ask the Reds latest signing a question? Tweet your questions to @bfc_offical and use the hashtag #AskSaidy
Saidy Janko playing for Manchester United in 2014.
