'Rumours' - Walsall boss responds to speculation over Connor Barrett's future

Barrett, who joined Walsall from AFC Fylde in 2023, has made a strong start to his second season, scoring twice in five appearances in League Two. 

According to reports, Barrett has attracted interest from the likes of Charlton Athletic, Peterborough United and Stockport County. 

The 23-year-old is contracted at Bescot until 2027 and Sadler has reassured that he looks forward to continuing his work with the right wing-back this season.

The Walsall boss said: "Connor has got a good future ahead of him. In terms of anything to do with that [a move away from the club], I've got absolutely no idea.

"If any clubs are doing their work then they'll be looking at him because Connor is a good player and that's the same with loads of our players. 

"It's important to recognise that we want to be a club where other clubs want our players. 

"We don't want a situation where nobody wants our players and we're subject to no rumours. 

"As it stands, there is nothing more than rumours to any of that. Connor has been brilliant so far this season and had a good season last season. 

"I'm looking forward to continuing working with him."

Sadler on Josh Gordon: "We'll see how things play out"

Meanwhile, Josh Gordon has featured just once from the bench for Walsall in the league, after his 2024-25 season was marred by two long-term hamstring injuries. 

On the striker, Sadler added: "Josh wants to play and is desperate to get minutes. He is a player who wants that rhythm within his game. 

"We'll see how that looks for him. The injury to Jonny [Stuttle] has reset that whole department and we'll have to see how that plays out. 

"As it stands, he has not had those minutes, so for him he'll be desperate to get that."