The summer transfer window may have closed more than a month ago, but that hasn’t stopped clubs across English football from strengthening their squads.
While Premier League and EFL clubs are no longer able to complete conventional transfers until the January window opens, there are still opportunities to recruit players who are available as free agents, subject to the relevant registration rules.
And with several clubs already looking to address weaknesses that have emerged during the opening weeks of the season, experienced players without contracts can still find themselves in demand.
That has certainly been the case at Barnsley.
The League One club have endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign under Daniel Stendel, who returned to Oakwell during the summer for his second spell in charge.
Stendel previously guided Barnsley to promotion to the Championship in 2019, but his latest spell has begun with the club struggling for consistency.
With the Tykes sitting towards the bottom of the League One table, the German has been looking for ways to strengthen his squad.
And Barnsley have now confirmed the arrival of a player who previously spent several years at Premier League club Aston Villa.
34-year-old midfielder Daniel Johnson has joined Barnsley on a contract until the end of the season.
Johnson had been without a club since leaving Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk during the summer and had recently spent time training with Barnsley before completing his move.
The former Jamaica international brings considerable experience to Oakwell, having made more than 350 appearances across the Championship and League One during his career.
However, some football supporters may not realise that Johnson began his professional career at Aston Villa.
After joining Villa’s academy in 2009, the midfielder progressed through the club’s youth system and eventually signed his first professional contract in January 2011.
Although he was involved with the senior squad on occasions, Johnson never established himself in Villa’s first team.
Instead, he gained experience through loan spells away from Villa Park before eventually joining Preston North End on a permanent basis in January 2015.
It was at Preston where Johnson really established his reputation.
He spent eight years at Deepdale, becoming an important member of the club’s midfield and helping Preston compete in the Championship following their promotion in 2015.
Johnson subsequently joined Stoke City in 2023 before moving to Turkey, where he spent two seasons with Fatih Karagumruk.
And now, more than a decade after leaving Aston Villa, he has returned to English football with Barnsley.
Speaking following the announcement, Stendel highlighted the importance of adding an experienced player to a relatively young squad.
“We have a young squad, so players like Daniel who have experienced a lot in football can benefit our younger players and help their development,” the Barnsley head coach explained.
Johnson’s arrival could prove particularly useful given Barnsley’s struggles during the opening months of the campaign.
The midfielder is capable of operating in several central positions and offers the experience of having played regularly at Championship level.
There is, however, one important detail surrounding the transfer.
Although Barnsley have announced Johnson’s signing, the agreement remains subject to EFL and international clearance, meaning his eligibility to feature will depend on those processes being completed.
And having been without a club since the summer, it remains to be seen how quickly Johnson will be ready to make an impact.
Nevertheless, Barnsley have secured an experienced midfielder without having to wait until the January transfer window.
For Stendel, the hope will be that Johnson can provide some much-needed composure and experience as the Tykes attempt to climb the League One table.
And for Johnson, the move offers an opportunity to return to English football and establish himself at another EFL club after his time in Turkey.
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