Cameron McGeehan swaps Barnsley for Belgium after Portsmouth miss out on move

The midfielder departs Barnsley to move to the Belgium top-flight side – who are also owned by Tykes chairman Chien Lee – for an undisclosed fee. He’s signed a three-year deal.

McGeehan spent the second half of last season on loan at Fratton Park, after falling down the pecking order at Oakwell when Gerhard Struber took charge in November.

The former Luton man scored two goals in 17 appearances as Kenny Jackett’s side suffered League One play-off semi-final defeat to Oxford.

Pompey were interested in McGeehan returning on loan for the 2020-21 campaign, although The News understands McGeehan was not Jackett’s prime target as he searches for reinforcements in the middle of the park.

Speaking to KV Oostende’s website, McGeehan said: ‘It will be the first time that I play outside of England so it is good to get out of my comfort zone.

‘The Belgian league is the perfect platform to develop myself and I love the way of playing football. KVO.

‘I know Gauthier Ganaye (chief executive) from my time in Barnsley and he convinced me to come to KVO.’

Ganaye added: ‘I know Cameron very well from my time in Barnsley and I am delighted to welcome him here.

‘He fits perfectly with the football style we want to adopt here because he already played this in Barnsley.

‘He is an attacking midfielder with a lot of running ability and he can score goals as well as give assists. I am confident he will shine in the game. Belgian league. "

McGeehan follows in the footsteps of his ex-Blues team-mate Christian Burgess to move to Belgium this summer.

The fans’ favourite joined second-tier outfit Royale Union Saint-Gilloise last month.