Former Oldham Athletic defender Jean-Yves M’voto has moved across the Pennines to join Championship side Barnsley on a two-year deal.
The 24-year-old, who was offered a new deal at Boundary Park, was unlikely to resign given his availability on a free transfer created an interest from a number of Championship clubs.
Doncaster Rovers, managed by former Oldham boss Paul Dickov, appeared to be close to signing M’voto but the Frenchman was impressed with Barnsley’s plans under David Flitcroft.
“I’m really happy to be here,” he told BBC Radio Sheffield.
“Everything was fine at Doncaster but I met with the Barnsley manager and he told me about his project and how he wanted to do things and I really liked it. It happened very fast.
“I wanted a new challenge and the manager’s philosophy is all about football, which is something I really agree with.
“I hope there are no bad feelings at Doncaster because I really respect everyone there.”
The centre back originally joined Oldham on loan in June 2010 and signed permanently the following summer after his release from Sunderland.
The former Paris Saint-Germain youngster played 123 games for Latics – appearing 49 times last season – and scored six goals.
M’voto failed to show when Oldham’s pre-season training began and was expected to sign for Doncaster along with fellow former Latics player Dean Furman.
Despite Dickov revealing a deal had been agreed in principle for M’voto, the former French Under-19 international opted for their Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.
Meanwhile Athletic will continue their preparations for the forthcoming season with their penultimate friendly tonight, away against Accrington Stanley.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
