Four First-Teamers To Leave!!

Brazilian centre back Dennis Souza is the most high profile player who will head through the Oakwell exit door when his contract runs out this summer.

Joining him will be Marciano Van Homoet, Diego Leon and Kyle Letheren.

Souza became a cult hero when he joined on a free transfer from Charleroi in the summer of 2007 and he had a fine first season at the club helping The Reds to an FA Cup semi-final. 2008-2009 has not been the best for Souza however and he lost his place to Darren Moore. The final nail in his coffin was sealed when he refused to be a substitute in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace in March.

In total Dennis Souza made 88 appearances and scored two goals.

Also leaving is Dutch full-back Marciano Van Homoet. His two year spell has been punctured by injury and he has been in and out of the side but he did play a key role in the FA Cup win over Chelsea. He has not appeared since the 1-1 draw with Birmingham at the beginning of March and was sent off for a crude challenge in the opening day defeat at QPR.

In total Marciano Van Homoet has made 40 appearances.

Spanish playmaker Diego Leon is also heading for pastures new. On his day he was unplayable but his tiny physique meant he never really looked prepared for English football. He scored a cracking free-kick in the 2-1 win at Preston in 2008 but he has not been in the side since the 2-1 defeat by Ipswich in January 2009 due to injury.

In total Diego Leon made 41 appearances and scored two goals.

And finally leaving is Welsh goalkeeper Kyle Letheren. Letheren was signed by former manager Andy Ritchie in the summer of 2006 by has failed to displace Nick Colgan, Heinz Muller or Luke Steele. He has spent most of his Oakwell career in the reserves and has appeared just once in the first team, replacing Muller at half-time in the 2-1 FA Cup win over Blackpool in January 2008. He spent part of 2008-2009 on loan at Doncaster but failed to make an appearance.

Barnsley have also confirmed contract discussions are underway with five players. Rob Kozluk, Jon Macken, Luke Steele (as revealed on TykesMad yesterday), Luke Potter and Michael Coulson are all set to be offered fresh terms.

More soon…