Derby County are said to be interested in taking Aston Villa youngster Louis Barry on loan for the second half of the season, according to the Derby Telegraph.
Villa have confirmed they will be withdrawing Barry from his loan at Stockport County in January.
Why Louie Barry?
Barry has been in sensational form for Stockport this season, having already scored 14 times for The Hatters in League One.
The former Barcelona youngster was part of the County squad that gained promotion from League Two last season and has a record of 24 goals in 44 appearances for the Edgeley Park side.
The 21-year-old has been one of the division’s star performers this season, topping the goal-scoring charts and the combined goals and assists table.
Barry ranks among the top wingers in the league, as his statistics prove:
- 80.7% pass accuracy
- 22 chances created
- 12 successful crosses
- 51 successful dribbles
- 76 recoveries
- 95 duels won
The young attacker has proven to be a revelation at Stockport, having a huge impact at both ends of the field. He has contributed in the final third, not only with his goals but his pressing and his creativity. But he is also not afraid of doing what is often termed as the dirty work: tracking back, defending and winning the ball back.
Barry has been with Aston Villa since January 2020, joining the club from the youth set-up Barcelona and has spent time on loan at Ipswich Town, Swindon Town, MK Dons and Salford City.
Why Is Villa Recalling Barry?
Aston Villa are looking to step up Barry’s development with a loan to the Championship. There is rumoured to be a host of clubs interested in the England Under 18 international, including Middlesbrough, Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday.
Writer’s View
The loss of Barry is a huge blow to Stockport County’s promotion hopes, but they have been fortunate to possess such a player for the period they have had him.
A loan move to test his abilities in the Championship makes sense but only if he is afforded the game time. It would be a waste of six months for the player and his parent club should he spend the majority of his time on the bench.
