21-year-old defender arrives from Leeds United on a permanent contract.
We are delighted to announce that Aapo Halme has joined Barnsley Football Club from Leeds United for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract, with a further year option in favour of the club.
After representing his native Finland throughout international age-groups between U16s and U21, Aapo caught the attention of fellow Sky Bet Championship rivals Leeds United.
At Elland Road during the 2018/19 promotion challenging campaign, the towering 6ft 5’ central defender made four appearances, in which Leeds won all four matches whilst keeping three clean sheets in the process under Marcelo Bielsa’s tutelage.
Halme becomes the Reds’ seventh summer signing as we edge ever closer to beginning the pre-season friendly schedule.
Upon joining the club, Aapo spoke with iFollow Barnsley, saying: “I think this is the style of football that I like to play, I’ve played my whole career like this, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’m really pleased. When I first heard I was really excited and I want to help the club to reach their goals, improve as a player and get used to first team football. I want to get some games under my belt and help the team as much as possible.”
Co-Chairman Paul Conway commented on the club’s seventh summer signing and another young exciting player joining the club.
He said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to add Aapo to the squad. He has showed great promise at the high level of the Championship at a young age, bringing key knowledge of the league to the squad after challenging for promotion last season. This is a core element of our overall strategy, again signing excellent young talent. We are all excited to see Aapo at Oakwell this season, where he can continue to perform at a high level.”
