18-year-old centre-back Jason Sraha has joined Barnsley following a successful trial period at the club, having been released by Arsenal.

Jason Sraha after signing for Barnsley FC (Photo via Sraha on Instagram)
Jason Sraha after signing for Barnsley FC (Photo via Sraha on Instagram)

Earlier this month, the Premier League confirmed that Arsenal had released centre-back Jason Sraha. The defender had joined from Chelsea in 2019, making six u18 appearances in his first season.

But Sraha struggled with injuries, particularly in his second campaign, and he didn’t make a single competitive appearance in 2020/21. As a result, it wasn’t particularly surprising he was moving on.

The teenager has now been picked up by Barnsley. The Championship club confirmed on Tuesday that Sraha had undergone a successful trial period, and will now link up with their u23s for the coming campaign.

“I’m delighted,” Sraha said. “It’s a great club and I’ve just enjoyed it since I’ve been here. The lads welcomed me in and it was a great vibe when I walked through the door, a great bunch of lads and we bonded well and played well together.”

Academy Manager Bobby Hassell added: “We are delighted to bring David (Bremang) and Jason to the club. They are two players who impressed while on trial at the end of last season and who fit our philosophy and what we are trying to achieve.

“It’s now up to us to help them realise their potential and help them push for a place in the first-team set-up, but it will require hard work on their behalf.”

After their fifth-place finish in 2020/21, Barnsley should be pushing for promotion to the Premier League again this season. Sraha will hope he’s joined a club on the up that could give him the opportunity to break into senior football.