Barnsley have signed 21-year-old centre-back Sam Gale from Gillingham for an undisclosed fee. The move strengthens the League One club’s defence with a young player who already has significant senior experience and is viewed as having further potential to develop.

Gale has agreed a three-year contract, with Barnsley holding an option for an additional year. A Gillingham academy graduate, he made his senior debut at 17 in 2021 and played 67 times for the Kent club, including 44 appearances last season; manager Daniel Stendel praised his mentality, ball-playing ability and physical attributes.