Barnsley have confirmed that Cameron McGeehan has joined Belgian Pro League club KV Oostende on a permanent basis. The news will disappoint Portsmouth, who were also hopeful of signing the player.
Cameron McGeehan Leaves Barnsley
Portsmouth Targeted the Midfielder
McGeehan spent the second half of the 2019/20 season on loan at League One side Portsmouth. Although the season finished early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McGeehan still managed 17 appearances for Portsmouth. His performances helped Pompey reach the League One play-offs.
Sadly for Portsmouth, they lost their Play-off semi-final to condemn the South Coast club to another season in League One. Meanwhile, Barnsley secured their Championship status with a dramatic final-day win over Brentford.
Portsmouth initially wanted to sign McGeehan on a permanent transfer. However, the salary wage cap introduction presented a problem. Also, his Barnsley contract had a further year to run, thereby meaning a transfer fee might have been required. However, they remained optimistic that the midfielder would somehow sign.
Barnsley’s survival gave Portsmouth hope that McGeehan could return on loan for the 2020/21 season. Had the Tykes been playing in the same league as Portsmouth, then a loan move would have appeared unlikely.
Hopes Shattered
KV Oostende have now shattered Portsmouth’s hopes. The Belgium club confirmed that they have been watching McGeehan for several months. They offered him a three-year deal, which he has accepted.
Gauthier Ganaye is the Executive President of KV Oostende. He is a familiar name at Barnsley, as he is their former CEO. Ganaye and McGeehan worked together at Barnsley, hence Ganaye’s desire for the midfielder to join KV Oostende.
Ganaye’s pleasure at signing his ex-colleague showed as he spoke to the Official KV Oostende website.
“I know Cameron very well from my own time in Barnsley and I’m so excited he is joining KVO (KV Oostende)” said Ganaye.
McGeehan added: “It’s the first time I will be playing outside of England, but it’s a good thing to come out of my comfort zone.”
Overall, McGeehan made 68 appearances for Barnsley, scoring nine goals. He joined the South Yorkshire club from Luton Town in summer 2017 for an undisclosed fee. He has also represented both Scunthorpe United and Cambridge United on loan, having started as a trainee at Norwich City.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
