Barnsley have made their ninth signing of the summer, and their second today, after completing a deal for Leeds United forward Mallik Wilks. The 20-year-old joins on a four-year contract and was voted Player of the Season while on loan at Doncaster Rovers last season.
Mallik Wilkes Joins Barnsley From Leeds United
??️ | Mallik Wilks is a Red! ?#YouReds pic.twitter.com/DS2gJ7OJdp
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) July 5, 2019
Career So Far
Wilks came through the academy at Leeds United and made his debut in their shock 1-0 defeat against Sutton United in the FA Cup. A loan spell at Accrington Stanley then garnered three goals in 18 appearances during the 2017/18 season.
After his spell at Accrington came to an end, Wilks joined Grimsby Town in a loan deal until the end of the season. He made his debut in a 1-0 defeat against Luton Town. His spell was brought to a premature end due to injury, meaning he was sent back to Leeds having played just six games for the Mariners.
Wilks’ most fruitful spell came last season while on loan at Doncaster in League One. His efforts, including 14 goals, helped Rovers to the Championship play-offs, but they were beaten on penalties by eventual winners Charlton Athletic, who prevailed over Sunderland in the final.
What They Said
Speaking to the club website, Wilks said: “Barnsley made me feel wanted, they were ringing me all the time every day, so it’s the best place for me. It’s a good club and I know a few of the boys here. It’s a good set of lads and they did well last season.
“There’s a lot of energy in the group and the style of play suits me, I wanted to take the step up.”
Meanwhile, co-chairman Paul Conway said: “We are very excited to sign Mallik, one of our top targets for this transfer window. Mallik’s dynamic attacking prowess will fit in well with Daniel’s [Stendel] style of play. This is our ninth signing of the summer, currently the most of any team in the division.
“As promised, as part of the sale of Ethan Pinnock, all of those sale proceeds would be reinvested in this window and we have completed the signings of Toby Sibbick, Aapo Halme, Bambo Diaby, and now Mallik Wilks in the space of just three days after Ethan’s departure.
“We would all like to offer a warm welcome to Oakwell for Mallik and wish him a successful career here.”
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