Barnsley have confirmed that centre-back Kacper Lopata has left the League One club to join Polish side Lechia Gdansk, with the fee reported as undisclosed.
End of a difficult Oakwell chapter
The 24-year-old Polish defender arrived at Oakwell in 2023 on a four-year deal, but his time at the club proved frustrating. Lopata managed just 17 appearances for Barnsley and has not featured in the club's first-team plans across the past two seasons.
In an effort to gain regular football, Lopata spent time on no fewer than four loan spells away from Oakwell, turning out for Port Vale, Ross County, Bristol Rovers and Walsall. Despite those stints away, he was unable to force his way into the plans at Barnsley and has now returned to his home country for a fresh start.
Part of a wider defensive rebuild
According to BBC Sport, Lopata's departure is part of a broader defensive overhaul being overseen by head coach Daniel Stendel. The exit follows that of De Gevigney, who also recently left the club, underscoring the scale of changes Stendel is making at the back.
The Reds are understood to be actively reshaping their defensive options as the third-tier season develops. The club has been heavily linked with Blackburn Rovers centre-back Connor O'Riordan, a 22-year-old, according to the report, though no confirmation of any deal has been made at this stage. Supporters will be watching closely to see whether that reported interest translates into a formal move.
Stendel's ongoing squad evolution
Head coach Stendel has spoken publicly in recent weeks about the work being done to improve Barnsley's squad, urging patience from supporters while stressing that the club is working daily to find transfer solutions. The Lopata exit represents one piece of that puzzle, freeing up a squad place and, potentially, funds that could be reinvested.
Lopata's loan record illustrated the difficulty of making an impact at Oakwell. While time at clubs including Bristol Rovers and Walsall provided experience at third-tier and fourth-tier level, it was not enough to convince Stendel or his predecessors to hand him a regular role. A return to Poland, where Lechia Gdansk are an established top-flight outfit, could offer the fresh start he needs.
What it means for Barnsley
For Barnsley, the departure tidies up a squad place that had been effectively unused at first-team level for two campaigns. With the League One season already under way, Stendel will be keen to ensure any outgoings are matched by quality arrivals before the transfer window closes.
The club's recent results and performances have highlighted the need for defensive solidity, and supporters will hope the defensive overhaul Stendel is undertaking will yield the right additions. Whether the reported interest in O'Riordan develops into a concrete signing remains to be seen, but the confirmation of Lopata's exit suggests the recruitment picture at Oakwell is moving quickly.
The fee received for Lopata has not been disclosed by either club.
Frequently asked
- Why has Kacper Lopata left Barnsley?
- Barnsley confirmed Lopata has left Oakwell as part of a defensive overhaul by head coach Daniel Stendel. The 24-year-old had not featured for the club in the past two seasons and has joined Polish side Lechia Gdansk for an undisclosed fee.
- How much did Barnsley receive for Kacper Lopata?
- The fee for Lopata's transfer to Lechia Gdansk has not been disclosed by either club.
- Who are Barnsley linked with to replace Lopata?
- According to BBC Sport, Barnsley are heavily linked with Blackburn Rovers centre-back Connor O'Riordan, a 22-year-old, as part of Daniel Stendel's defensive rebuild. No deal has been confirmed at this stage.