Barnsley have completed the signing of former Cambridge United defender Jubril Okedina. The 25-year-old Malawi international has joined on an initial one-year contract with a further year's option for the club.
Okedina arrives at Oakwell after being released by Cambridge United following their relegation to League Two at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. He made over a hundred EFL appearances for the U's, the vast majority in League One, after initially joining on loan from Tottenham Hotspur's academy in January 2021. His career also included a spell in the League of Ireland Premier Division with Bohemians.
Head coach Daniel Stendel highlighted the defender's experience as a key factor in the move.
The signing comes as Barnsley look to address defensive issues, having conceded eight goals in their last two league matches against Plymouth Argyle and Stevenage. Okedina believes his time at Cambridge United has prepared him well for the challenge. He said he has spent about four years in League One and has come up against different playing styles and managers, adding that he feels he knows the league really well and knows what it takes to be successful.
Cambridge United, meanwhile, have moved on strongly from the relegation that prompted Okedina's departure. They currently sit fourth in League One with 11 points from six games, just two points behind leaders Sheffield Wednesday. Their recent form shows two wins, a draw and two defeats from the last five, with the latest result a 2-1 home victory over Reading.
The two clubs are scheduled to meet at the Abbey Stadium on 16 January 2027, a fixture that will see Okedina return to his former home ground with Barnsley, who currently occupy 18th place.
More detail at Yorkshire Post
