South African overseas-based goalkeeper Jethren Barr is currently training with a top European side, meanwhile, six PSL clubs have shown interest in him during this transfer window.
Barr was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that participated in the COSAFA Cup in Durban during the off-season. He played all group-stage matches but missed the semi-final and third-place clash due to injury.
The 27-year-old shot-stopper left the Northern Ireland outfit Portadown in June, following the club’s relegation from the top tier.
As he continues his search for a new home, Barr says three DStv Premiership sides have enquired about his services but he withheld their names. He also revealed that he rejected three offers from NFD [Motsepe Foundation Championship].
JETHREN BARR ON LOCAL INTEREST
“Yes, there have been teams locally and in Europe, SA it was 3 PSL teams and 3 NFD teams, I rejected NFD because I don’t want to play there obviously,” he told FARPost.
“With PSL I can’t talk too much…I also had two offers in Northern Ireland but one was a bad team. The other won the league but the money wasn’t good.”
Barr says he’s desperate for a move away from Northern Ireland. And he’s currently trying his luck at the Republic of Ireland giants Shamrock Rovers. Rovers are currently on top of the league as it nears the finish line.
They are eight games away from claiming their fourth league title in a row.
BARR CURRENTLY TRAINING WITH SHAMROCK ROVERS
“I’ve been training with Shamrock Rovers at the moment,” he further revealed.
“Shamrock have been monitoring me for a while now and I was supposed to go on trial before COSAFA but I had to push it back to play COSAFA. I’m not looking to play in Northern Ireland again God willing, I’m trying to get down to the Republic of Ireland.
“But the problem is, their season is ending now. So, I’m finding it a bit challenging now to get myself a team there.”
As much as he would like to secure a contract with Shamrock in Ireland, Barr has not ruled out a move back to South Africa.
MOVE BACK TO SA NOT RULED OUT
“I have also been looking at options of some of the top sides in South Africa and I feel like I’m at that point in my career now,” he added.
“I deserve a big move, I feel like I’m a quality goalkeeper with a lot of attributes especially for the modern game now. So, I’m being patient at the moment, I’m not just jumping at the first contract that’s being offered to me, to be honest.
“I believe in my quality, I deserve a big move, I’m a quality goalkeeper and I deserve to be playing for a quality team. So, I’m just waiting for that and hopefully, I can find a new home soon.”
RELATED STORY: Ex-Maritzburg goalie Barr waves goodbye to Irish side