Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael has hit out at new Blues loan signing Luke Thomas for showing a “not really professional” attitude prior to his departure from Oakwell.
Thomas, 21, joined Town for the remainder of the campaign on Tuesday having become frustrated by the lack of first-team opportunities with the Tykes this season.
"Luke Thomas was unhappy,” The72 reports Ismael said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie at home to Norwich City.
"This attitude was not really professional at the end, and that’s why he wanted to leave.
"I think it was a situation for us to work with players who want to stay, work with us and be positive. We wish him luck in Ipswich but he is still a Barnsley player.”
Ismael isn’t ruling out Thomas, who is contracted to Barnsley until the summer of 2023, having a future with the South Yorkshiremen, however.
"We will see what happens,” the Frenchman added. "I will focus on the players who are here, and this is the most important thing.”