The Barnsley defender suggests he wants to follow John Stones and Alfie Mawson into the Premier League – an ambition he’d struggle to fulfil at Norwich.
The rapid progression of Angus MacDonald represents yet another victory for Barnsley’s esteemed scouting department, as reported by The Star.
Like Sam Winnall, Conor Hourihane and Marc Roberts, the 24-year-old centre-back was plucked from the lower leagues and transformed not only into a player of Championship quality but one seemingly capable of performing at an even higher level.
The question, however, is how long The Tykes can keep hold of their prized assets. Despite adapting impressively to the second tier following their victory in the League One play-offs last season, Winnall, Hourihane, Alfie Mawson and James Bree have already departed this season while John Stones and Mason Holgate didn’t stick around for too long either.
Attacker Marley Watkins, meanwhile, handed in a transfer request in January according to Sky Sports.
Therefore, although MacDonald recently extended his contract until 2019 less than a year after signing from non-league Torquay United, it appears that this will serve only to increase his transfer value.
After all, the defender has pretty much confirmed that he views Barnsley as a route into the top of the English game – which should be taken less of an insult and more as a compliment and an indication of The Tykes’ ability to improve players.
“I’m very happy to have extended my stay,” MacDonald told The Star. “It’s been a great experience so far so I’d like to carry that on.
“It’s a great club to be at and a great club for a young defender, you only have to look at the likes of John Stones and Alfie Mawson (below) who are now in the Premier League.”
This, however, is far from music to the ears of Norwich City. The Daily Mirror reported in January that The Canaries had made a £2.5 million bid for the former England C defender but, with the Anglian outfit looking likely to miss out on the play-offs, it seems that MacDonald may not be coaxed into a move to a fellow Championship club.
Though the performances of Mawson for Swansea City suggest that Premier League clubs in need of an affordable addition to the backline should make a trip to Oakwell.
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