Aston Villa analysis: Is Unai Emery making a huge mistake by selling Louie Barry?
Louie Barry has been in sensational form this season, scoring 15 goals in League One while on loan at Stockport County.
At one point, the 21-year-old was the highest-scoring player out of England’s four professional divisions, which saw him recalled to his parent club Aston Villa in January.
Transfer News Blitz writer Harrison Pearce evaluates reports suggesting the Villans are set to let the promising youngster leave.
The early days
Barry has been on an upward trajectory ever since breaking onto the scene at West Bromich Albion, which saw him move to Barcelona’s famed ‘La Masia’ academy.
Unfortunately, the Birmingham-born striker struggled to impress in Spain and left a year later to join Aston Villa in 2020.
The forward has been at Villa Park for five years without any serious time spent in the first team, except for scoring a goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Many Aston Villa fans were calling for Barry to be given a chance in the first team to link up with previous academy star Jack Grealish.
Instead, the manager at the time, Dean Smith, decided to send the player out on loan to Ipswich Town, with this being one of many failed loan spells.
Stockport County Success
Once Barry arrived at Stockport County when the club were in League Two, Barry began to fulfil his Barcelona potential.
During his first season with the club, Barry provided 13 goal contributions, but an injury saw him miss the remainder of the season.
This ultimately helped the Manchester-based team gain promotion to League One, where the fans took to Barry immediately.
The Stockport faithful were overjoyed when the left-winger resigned for a second successive season on loan at the club.
Barry has enjoyed yet another successful season at the club, with the Englishman tallying 18 goal contributions at the halfway point of the League One season.
Before being recalled by Aston Villa in January, the tricky winger had produced 5.04 dribble attempts, successfully pulling off 2.55 dribbles per game, proving he was one of the driving forces in the Stockport attack.
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Decision Time
Emery has had the chance to take a close look at Barry in training before deciding what to do with the youngster.
The Spaniard had not included the winger in his matchday squads against Leicester City and West Ham, so it looks more than likely that the Villa youngster will make another swift exit.
Barry has forged his career down the left wing, however, Villa already have plenty of options in that position.
There is room for a third-choice striker behind Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins, however, Barry may be unhappy with playing an understudy role at Villa Park.
Plenty of interest
According to reports, Celtic are among a host of clubs looking to sign Barry, with Championship sides Derby County and Hull City also interested.
The Scottish club are looking to bring the winger in on a permanent deal, compared to Derby and Hull who are looking at a simple loan.
Barry would have to compete with Daizen Maeda and Luis Palma at Celtic.
A permanent move could be best for both parties, with Villa receiving a transfer fee, and Barry getting to play regular football - possibly in the Champions League.
If Aston Villa decide to loan the attacker out for the rest of the season, Emery will have another chance to see if the England U18 international has what it takes to impress at Villa Park.
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