Birmingham City are among the clubs monitoring Aston Villa youngster Louie Barry, with reports suggesting internal talks have already taken place over a potential summer loan move.
The 21-year-old is back to full fitness after an injury-disrupted campaign and is expected to leave Villa Park temporarily once again, this time targeting a Championship-level test.
Barry On Blues’ Radar As Summer Plans Take Shape
Barry has attracted widespread interest following Aston Villa’s decision to make him available for another loan spell. The former Barcelona youth product spent last season at Stockport County and Hull City, showing glimpses of his potential despite a hamstring injury cutting short his time in League One.
He bagged 16 goals in 24 appearances across his two stints at Stockport, helping them to the League Two title before stepping up to the Championship with Hull. While his time at the MKM Stadium was hampered by injury, Villa boss Unai Emery is said to want the striker to face another second-tier challenge to prove he can break into the senior squad in the long term.
Birmingham Enter the Race
Now, according to Give Me Sport, newly-promoted Birmingham City are one of the first clubs to express formal interest. The club is believed to have discussed Barry internally as part of their recruitment strategy for the 2025/26 season.
Chris Davies guided Blues to a record-breaking 111 points as they stormed to the League One title. With Championship football now back on the agenda, strengthening the forward line is a priority—and Barry’s blend of pace, technique and pedigree makes him an attractive option.
A product of Sutton United and West Bromwich Albion, Barry returned to England with Villa in 2020 following a short stint in Catalonia. He has since been sent out on multiple loans to aid his development, including spells with Ipswich Town, MK Dons, Salford City and Swindon Town before his more successful stays at Stockport.
With the Midlands rivals historically connected, a loan to Birmingham would be a notable step for Barry, but it could also be a perfect fit. Blues are looking to add high-quality, Championship-ready players to their ranks while keeping one eye on long-term value and growth.
Writer’s View
This would be a clever move for both player and club. Louie Barry needs a stable, full-season loan at Championship level, and Birmingham City—newly promoted and playing expansive football under Chris Davies—could be the ideal platform. Barry’s past with local clubs and his big-club grounding means he arrives with both pressure and promise.
If Blues can secure him early, it would be a significant statement of their intent to consolidate and push on next season.
