Huddersfield Town: Michael Duff will be licking his lips at Barnsley news: View | OneFootball

Huddersfield Town boss Michael Duff may look to capitalise on some of this summer's Oakwell departures after Barnsley confirmed several key players would be on the move.

The former Barnsley manager was linked with a move back to the South Yorkshire club just a few days ago but has since been announced as the new Huddersfield head coach.

His first directive as Terriers' boss will surely be listing the players he wants to bring in, as he'll look to get the club back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

A feeding frenzy for Barnsley's top scorer

There's no doubt that Duff will be licking his lips looking at the retained list from Barnsley following the conclusion of their 2023/24 campaign. He has the opportunity to be reunited with several of his key players from the campaign that saw The Tykes reach the play-off final at Wembley.

The first and most eye-catching player available after leaving Barnsley is Devante Cole, who said his goodbyes in the last few days after having his best season for the League One club. He's netted 18 times in 49 appearances this season, which isn't a bad return for the 29-year-old. The former Manchester City academy player would be a good addition to Duff's arsenal for the 2024/25 season, which is currently short of firepower.

Son of Andy Cole, the striker is entering what should be the best period of his career in his late 20s and thrived under Duff last season.

No Huddersfield striker has bagged more than 10 goals this season, which is a problem that has led to the constant rotation of players to find a solution. The reality is that if your top scorer is a centre-back, then you're probably going wrong somewhere further up the field. Polish defender Michal Helik has done exactly that this season, somehow finding nine goals in his 41-match campaign. Striker, Delano Burgzorg, grabbed seven in a middling tally that can't even be relied upon next season, as he will be returning to his parent club Mainz after the expiry of his loan.

Familar faces can help instill Duff's philosophy

An opportunity to work with Nicky Cadden again may be an attractive one for Duff, who played the 27-year-old Scotsman out wide in his Barnsley side. The midfielder spent a few seasons at Forest Green Rovers before joining Barnsley for the 2022/23 season, becoming a solid for his goal contributions. Like Cole, Cadden is available on a free transfer following his departure from Oakwell Stadium.

Whilst he hasn't had the best of seasons, Duff may also consider acquiring the services of Jordan Williams. The versatile defender has been a mainstay in 2023/24, playing 46 matches in League One, and barely missed a game during the Huddersfield boss' Barnsley tenure. He is a player that Duff clearly trusted and could be a sound addition.

There is no doubt that Duff's move to Swansea City was an odd choice, given the obvious clash between the club's possession-based play and the manager's preferred high-intensity pressing.

What he'll find at Huddersfield is a side more willing to press and push out as a team, having an overloaded midfield and a strike partnership that will play to his tactical strengths. All round, Duff and Huddersfield seem the happier of bedfellows.

He'll be keen to lead a Terriers rebuild after their relegation to League One and snapping up some of his former favourites on free transfers would certainly help.