DEXTER Lembikisa made a deadline day dash to join Barnsley where he already knows several players including a former schoolmate.
The 21-year-old wing-back signed on loan for the rest of the season from Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the deal announced late on the final day of the transfer window on Monday.
He told the Chronicle: “I had heard about some interest from Barnsley but when I knew it was happening, it was on deadline day.
“You just grab a couple of things for the next days and go there.
“The club has been looking after me and I am getting used to being here.”
The transition has been made easier by Lembikisa knowing several of the current Reds squad.
“I know Jon Russell from playing for Jamaica, Jackson Smith from Wolves, Georgie Gent from playing against him in Scotland.
“I actually went to school with Connor Barratt (under 21s defender).
“That’s how football is, anything can happen and anyone can end up anywhere.”
Lembikisa can play on both the left and right wing.
He said: “I am explosive, powerful and I like one-v-one attacking and defending.
“I am aggressive.”
Dexter joins a team just one point outside the play-off places in the League One table. He said: “Promotion is the target.
“It’s about enjoying football and taking every game as it comes and the results will come naturally.
“But in the back of the mind you want to get promoted.”
He could make his debut at high-flying Stockport on Saturday.
“It’s a good introduction to start quick.
“I have come here to play against good teams and get more experience and development.”
Lembikisa came through the Wolves academy and played four times for the first team in the 2022/23 season – against Leeds in the EFL Cup, Arsenal in the Premier League and Liverpool twice in the FA Cup.
He then played 27 games on loan to Barnsley’s neighbours Rotherham last season when they were in the Championship before spending the second half of the campaign on loan at SPL side Hearts, racking up another 18 appearances.
This season he was loaned out to Yverdon Sport in the Swiss top flight but, after playing three times, the deal was cancelled in January.
He has recently returned from a hamstring injury.
Lembikisa has played 22 times for Jamaica, scoring once.
“To play for Jamaica is an honour. International football is a higher level and a different type of football and different team.
“It’s all good experience which makes you better.”
