Premier League golf equipment in switch battle for ace who began season in non-league
EXCLUSIVE: Premier League clubs are set to do battle for 21-year-old Barnsley goalkeeper Kieran Flavell, who has impressed in League One after starting the season in non-league
Rising star Kieran Flavell could be set to go from non-league to Premier League in the space of just seven months.
The goalkeeper found himself on-loan with Conference North side Farsley Celtic at the start of 2025. But after returning to League One parent club Barnsley and making a big impression, the Englishman has become a target of several top flight clubs.
Fulham and Brighton are both keeping close tabs on Flavell, while promotion-chasing Championship outfit Sheffield United are also keen. It’s understood Fulham have sent scouts to watch Flavell in action for League One Barnsley.
Since returning to Oakwell in February, the 21-year-old has made just five appearances, but is being tipped to have a huge future in the game.
Fulham are considering a bid in the summer, with the Tykes willing to listen to offers in the hope of being able to cash in on Flavell.
Flavell, who spent time on loan with seventh-tier Northern Premier League Premier Division side Mickelover earlier this season, played 11 times in the National League North for the doomed Farsley Celtic, who are bottom of the table.
Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane confirmed this week that the young keeper would continue in goal for the foreseeable future, with fellow shot-stoppers Jackson Smith and loanee Joe Gauci still out with injury.
The Reds interim head coach, whose side lost 6-2 to champions-elect Birmingham City on Saturday, said: “Flav is still in goal and I am absolutely thrilled with Flav.
“I said to Gillo (Matt Gilks), the goalkeeping coach this morning that he has taken his opportunity with both hands. I think he has been really good, with the ball at his feet and he has taken his opportunity with both hands.
“For me, currently regardless of whether he comes back or not, he is the one that you have got to move out of goal and he won’t be going anywhere soon. He’s been brilliant in the three or four games he’s played.”
