Just about the Money for Barnsley

RAFA Benitez was not surprised to hear Barnsley are on the brink of being taken over by man who coined the phrase “Moneyball” in the United States.

The Tykes are trying to rebuild the club by using the same recruitment system on the hit US movie Moneyball.

Barnsley have attracted baseball legend Billy Beane as part of a Chinese-American consortium to South Yorkshire.

Beane – who was played by Brad Pitt in the 2011 film – masterminded a strategy which based the Oakland A’s recruitment process on statistics over traditional scouting methods and allowed his club to enjoy success with budget players.

The same logic has always been applied to other sports in the eyes of Benitez, who is well aware of the system.

He said: “It is something I have known about for a number of years.

“It is something I have always used with my staff at different clubs.

“You look at players based on statistics and what you need depending on what division you are in.

“You have your scouts and databases in place and you find the players you need to do the job you want.

“You have information about the player on and off the field.”

Newcastle signed players such as Javier Manquillo and Joselu for budget prices in the last window once it became apparent the club did not have big money to spend following a statement from Mike Ashley, who made it clear he could not compete with the Premier League’s big cubs.

The proposed deal has not only ensured Barnsley found themselves in the national morning headlines but also shows overseas investors are looking closely at buying into English clubs.

With Barnsley owner Patrick Cryne set to sell his shares Beane, along with Chinese businessman Chien Lee and American entrepreneur Paul Conway, could buy a 98.5% stake in the club for just £20million.

Beane has always declared his love for English football and speaking to the Guardian in 2014 said: “If I don’t get to watch a match live, I tape it.

“Even if I know the score I go back and watch.

“I love the fact there is such a dichotomy between, say, the Emirates and Turf Moor.”