After weeks of speculation, a clear favourite has emerged to capture the signature of Aston Villa and Stockport County‘s Louie Barry on loan in the January transfer window.
The ex-Barcelona academy player has thrived at Edgeley Park since last season and has finally kicked his career off after an uneventful spell at Salford City.
He has 24 goals in 44 games under Dave Challinor and was a League Two champion with the club. Even despite some lengthy spells on the sidelines, he has been a constant threat in both the third and fourth tier.
Departure Is Expected
The rise of Louie Barry has ultimately become a detriment to Stockport as they are set to lose their star player in the January transfer window. Championship clubs have been on high alert to make moves for the player, and it seems that one is ahead in the battle.
According to journalist Darren Witcoop, Middlesbrough are leading the chase to convince Aston Villa to send Barry out on loan. Michael Carrick’s side are already the top scorers in the Championship and their dealings with the Birmingham club over the move of Morgan Rogers means there is also a relationship built.
Other second-tier clubs are pursuing a move, with Alan Nixon naming Derby County as another potential destination.
Losing Barry will see League One’s top scorer leave, with the ex-Milton Keynes Dons man four ahead of Peterborough United‘s Kwame Poku, who is out of action for months with an injury.
Writer’s View
Stockport County will need to find some way to replace Louie Barry over the next month or so and based on the form he has shown, they will already be looking at a few potential targets. This is the ultimate downside of loan moves as Stockport will not be able to benefit from developing him over the past 18 months.
Middlesbrough is a brilliant destination for the 21-year-old to head to. Michael Carrick’s side already have a potent attack and have developed players like Barry even this season with Ben Doak thriving. Between him, Emmanuel Latte Lath and Finn Azaz, adding a player like the Villa forward will strengthen one of the Championship’s best sides even further.
