Barnsley have re-signed full-back Ziyad Larkeche on loan from Queens Park Rangers until the end of the season, the club confirmed on 29 August.

The move reunites the 23-year-old Frenchman with Oakwell, where he previously spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan while registered as a Fulham player. He made 23 appearances during that spell, earning a familiarity with the club and its surroundings that head coach Daniel Stendel believes will prove valuable.

"Ziyad adds real depth to our options at left-back, and he's someone who enjoyed his time with the club last time he was here, so we know he wants to be part of this," Stendel told the club website.

A well-travelled path back to Oakwell

Larkeche's route to a second stint in South Yorkshire has taken in several steps. After Fulham released him in 2023, he joined Queens Park Rangers and went on to spend the 2024-25 season on loan at Scottish Premiership side Dundee. He now returns to the third tier with Barnsley, who hold his registration for the rest of the current campaign.

The terms of the arrangement have not been disclosed publicly. It is understood to be a straight loan deal, with no indication as yet of a purchase option attached, though neither the club nor QPR have commented on the structural detail.

Filling a specific positional need

Stendel's language is pointed: the word "depth" suggests Larkeche is arriving as competition and cover at left-back rather than as an automatic starter. Barnsley have been active throughout the summer window, and the head coach has spoken publicly in recent weeks about the need for patience in identifying the right additions. This signing, according to the club's own framing, addresses a specific positional gap.

For a League One squad navigating a long season, left-back cover matters. The position demands both defensive solidity and the ability to contribute in wide areas, and Larkeche's previous experience at Oakwell means there is no settling-in period required in terms of understanding the environment, the training ground, and what the club expects.

What Larkeche brings

At 23, Larkeche is at an age where regular third-tier football represents a meaningful opportunity to build a consistent run of appearances. His previous loan spell gave him a working knowledge of League One's physical demands, and time at Dundee in Scotland's top flight will have added a further layer of experience at a competitive level.

Barnsley supporters will recall his earlier contribution well enough to have a sense of what he offers: an energetic presence on the left flank with the ability to get forward. Whether he slots straight into the starting eleven or provides the cover Stendel specifically references remains to be seen, but the club's willingness to move quickly on a familiar face suggests confidence in what he brings to the group.

The loan window for League One clubs runs alongside the main transfer deadline, and Barnsley's business in this window has now included multiple incoming deals as Stendel continues to shape his squad for the months ahead.

Frequently asked

Has Ziyad Larkeche played for Barnsley before?
Yes. Larkeche spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Barnsley from Fulham, making 23 appearances before returning to his parent club.
Which club does Ziyad Larkeche belong to?
Larkeche is registered with Queens Park Rangers. He has joined Barnsley on a loan deal for the remainder of the current season.
What position does Larkeche play?
Larkeche is a left-back. Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel described the signing as adding depth to the club's options in that position.