According to sources who spoke to TEAMtalk, Leeds United is still interested in signing Louie Barry. However, the player has hinted that he could prefer a move to Sunderland given Aston Villa’s current plans for the young star.
The 21-year-old has performed admirably during a League One loan stint with Stockport County throughout the first half of the season. His 16 goals in 24 games have brightened his time at Edgeley Park and given Dave Challinor‘s team hope of contending for a spot in the play-offs this year. But now that Aston Villa has chosen to recall Barry from his loan with the third-tier team, the Hatters will have to do it without his skills.
Back on December 11, we learned exclusively from sources that Villa was planning to call up the former Barcelona academy player and send him on loan to a higher level. The Whites were one of four Championship teams vying for his services, along with Sheffield United, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough.
Barry has now been recalled solely to send him out on loan at a higher level in an attempt to further his development, and Villa manager Unai Emery has revealed that a move to the Championship is now imminent.
The battle for spots at Leeds is fierce, especially in the attacking positions and wide areas, so Villa will want to make sure that wherever Barry ends up next will provide him with some assurances over playing time. It appears that Barry has hinted that a move elsewhere is imminent.
Barry gives Stockport credit as Unai Emery reveals Villa’s 21-year-old aspirations.
Barry has enjoyed time with teams like Ipswich, MK Dons, Swindon Town, Salford City, and most recently, Stockport, during his lone loan stints in League One and League Two.
Now that a promotion up the football hierarchy is imminent, Barry has expressed gratitude to Stockport for being instrumental in his growth.
Barry posted on Instagram, “I’ve loved every second of playing for County and training with an incredible group of lads.” “Stockport County will always have a special place in my heart. We appreciate all of the players, the crew, the gaffa, and most of all, the fans.
“Even though I was only on loan, you gave me a unique sense by treating me like one of your own. I hope we may cross paths again, but for now, I will always be a fan. Once again, thank you.
“He is really performing very well, last year, this year,” Villa manager Emery continued, outlining their hopes for Barry.
“We want to bring him back here and make another decision with him after he completed the preseason [with Villa].” However, he has promise.
“This is the next step for us in the next weeks,” Emery said in response to a question about whether Barry will depart on loan rather than permanently. However, he had a little injury and returned here with us.
“We will reevaluate our options with him, but his talent is being fully utilized and is excellent for him, the team, and our player. After that, we will make a decision.
Leeds should pursue a Gladbach defender instead of signing another Villa player.
Leeds is keeping an eye on more Villa players this month than Barry, as the Whites have also been linked to an ambitious approach for Emiliano Buendia.
Because of Morgan Rogers‘ outstanding play this season, the former Argentina captain has fallen in the rankings.
Ben Jacobs has written for TEAMtalk about why a move to Elland Road appears improbable for two reasons, even though Villa won’t stop him from leaving in January.
Although Leeds is said to be the team in the lead for Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, a deal for the Swiss player is more likely to be completed in the summer than this month due to one of the £10 million star’s main concerns.
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