The pros and cons for selling Connor Barrett as Walsall exit 'reports' emerge

Connor Barrett is rumoured to be heading for the exit door at Walsall.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Wigan Athletic this summer - sparking a discussion among supporters.

There are arguments for and against selling him, but there is logic behind offloading him if Walsall decide to do so.

It has been a checkered two years in the West Midlands for Barrett consisting of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.

Highs and lows

He hit the ground running with a breakout campaign in his first season after arriving from non-league AFC Fylde in 2024 - registering 10 assists and finishing in the PFA Team of the Year.

However, a drop off in form and a red card in the penultimate game of the regular season against Accrington Stanley brought about a bitter end.

Despite bouncing back with three goals in his first 11 games last season, Barrett eventually started just twice in the last 17 matches for Walsall in League Two.

Last chance to cash in

So with Barrett set to head into next season in the final year of his three-year contract, it perhaps should come as little surprise that Walsall could be about to cash in.

For all of the criticism aimed towards Trivela, they have began to carve out a reputation as a profitable club.

That has been underlined by the sale of Isaac Hutchinson to Bristol Rovers in 2024 and the six-figure sums paid for David Okagbue and Taylor Allen by Peterborough United and Wycombe Wanderers respectively last summer.

And there was always a sense that Barrett could leave before the end of his contract - with the wing-back attracting attention from elsewhere in each of the last two windows.

This will essentially be the Saddlers’ last real chance to cash in which suggests it makes complete sense from a financial perspective.

Replacement will be needed

If he does depart then Walsall will of course need to be in the market for another right-back, or wing-back, depending on which formation new head coach Lee Grant prefers.

He predominantly played with a back-four as Huddersfield Town manager last season, but did switch to a three-man defence towards the end of his spell.

Barrett fell victim to his attacking tendencies when interim head coach Darren Byfield opted for the more defensive Rico Browne in the latter stages of the previous campaign.

Would Grant unlock Barrett’s best form?

Although there is also an argument that Grant’s propensity for attacking football could unlock Barrett’s best form again.

His numbers are impressive, albeit inconsistent, and the right manager could help reignite his Walsall career.

Regardless, his potential exit will leave them very thin in terms of current options at right-back.

There is uncertainty over whether Rico Browne will sign the contract extension offered to him - while Elicha Ahui is yet to kick a ball for Walsall after missing 10 months with an ACL injury.