Sunderland have resurrected their pursuit of Barnsley star Callum Styles. So, here is everything we know about the Black Cats target.
It was reported last Tuesday that Sunderland were actively trying to acquire Barnsley’s Callum Styles on loan, with supporters hoping it would be their first transfer incoming of the January window.
The deal, according to Sky Sports at the time, would be a loan with an obligation to buy in the summer. However just days later, problems with the potential deal came to the fore.
The Yorkshire Post claimed that there were ‘obstacles’ in the way of Sunderland completing a deal with League One outfit Barnsley and that it centred around the structure of the switch.
Journalist Leon Wobschall wrote: “In terms of any prospective move north for Styles, there are thought to be obstacles that need to be overcome for it to materialise as it stands – principally regarding the structure of the deal.”
The report also noted that Styles was keen to make a jump from the English third tier to the second tier, so it is clear the player is interested in the Stadium of Light move.
Now, on transfer deadline day, Sunderland’s interest in Styles has been reignited with reporter Alan Nixon claiming both clubs involved are due to agree terms on a loan-to-buy.
So, with Callum Styles seemingly on his way to Sunderland tonight, who is the Barnsley midfielder that his current boss Neil Collins has described as ‘quality’?
Who is Callum Styles?
Callum Styles player profile
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 23/03/2000
- Position: Central midfield/wing-back
- Foot: Left
- Club: Barnsley
- Former clubs: Bury, Millwall
- National team: Hungary
- Contract: Expires June 2025
Bury (2016-2018)
Callum John Styles came through the youth academy at Burnley but was released when he turned 16 and never signed a professional contract with the club.
The Bury-born star earned a deal with his hometown club in 2016 and made his debut in May of that year against Southend United.
But controversy surrounded his first appearance for The Shakers because he wasn’t fully registered to play in English League One. Therefore, Bury were deducted three points.
Bury would eventually get relegated before going straight back up again with Styles helping them finish second in League Two during the 2018/19 season. Styles actually made a permanent move to Barnsley in August 2018 but was sent back to Bury on loan until the January.
All in all, Styles would make 47 appearances for Bury, scoring no goals but providing three assists [Transfermarkt].
Barnsley and Millwall loan (2018-present)
After his £500k switch to Barnsley and subsequent loan return to Bury, Styles was ready to make his debut for The Tykes. Since then, he has played 151 games for the Oakwell side, scoring 13 goals and laying on nine for his teammates.
He spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Millwall but was guaranteed a future with Barnsley having signed a new three-year contract extension just before his September switch south to London.
Styles endured a difficult time at the Den due to injuring his quadriceps muscle in training in February 2023. The midfielder was scheduled to miss three months of action but managed to return in the April.
Styles played 22 times for Millwall and managed just two goal contributions – one goal and one assist before heading back to Barnsley in the summer for the current campaign.
This season, Styles has attracted transfer interest and that had already been acknowledged by Barnsley boss Neil Collins in the summer window.
Collins said: “He’s a player I’m sure a lot of team admirer but for now he’s a Barnsley player and someone that I really like and would love to keep hold of. As long as he continues to play the way he has been we’ll be happy and I’m sure that’ll just make more people interested.” [The 72]
Collins would then speak in October about the importance of retaining Styles at least until the January transfer window. He said: “I am really enjoying working with him. He’s an international player, so who wouldn’t enjoy working with a quality player. His energy levels and attitude has been just what we have needed and been good.
“You could go through the team and they have all been really important and I have been delighted with them. But it’s been really good to have Callum. Away from the speculation, we have been able to focus on just football with him and let him enjoy his football and hopefully try and put him in a position where he can do that.
“I think his performances have been reflective of that. I think he is a young player who we can continue to help improve as well. He’s definitely helped us.” [Yorkshire Post]
What is Callum Styles’ nationality?
As stated, central midfielder Callum Styles was born in England but is a full senior international for Hungary. He is eligible through his grandparents and made the decision to commit to the Hungarians in 2022.
He made his debut against Serbia in the March before going on to play in the 4-0 triumph over England at Molineux that summer. Styles then shone in a UEFA Nations League encounter for Hungary against Italy in September.
Styles doesn’t actually speak Hungarian and told Nemzeti Sport that the reason for that is his grandmother did not teach him the language.
Styles has collected an impressive 18 caps for Hungary thus far but is yet to score his first-ever international goal for the nation.
Callum Styles club career stats
- Appearances: 222
- Goals: 15
- Assists: 13
- Yellow cards: 31
- Red cards: 0