According to Hull Live, Championship side Hull City are facing difficulties in securing a permanent deal for Aston Villa’s Louie Barry.
It is believed that the size of the financial package required to sign the 22-year-old is a stumbling block at this stage.
The Tigers have reportedly agreed on a fee of around £3.5 million for the winger, but the overall price, alongside the fact that Villa want a sizable sell-on clause, is making the deal difficult at this stage.
Hampered by Injury After Promising Start
It is understood that Barry wants to move back to the MKM Stadium, after an injury-hit second half of the season ruined his short loan spell at the club.
The former England under-18 international made just four appearances after picking up a knee injury in a win over Sunderland, after joining the club on loan in January.
The first half of the season was spent at League One side Stockport County, where Barry scored 15 goals in 23 games, which prompted parent club Aston Villa to recall him and send him on loan to a side which plays a division higher.
When the Tigers announced his capture in January, many people were excited to see what he could step up and do in the second tier; however, the knee injury picked up towards the end of February, ruled him out for the rest of the season.
It is believed Hull paid a £1 million loan fee to bring Barry to the MKM Stadium, and paid his weekly wage of £25,000.
High Praise From Hull City Owner
Turkish owner Acun Ilicali admitted he was a fan of the 22-year-old in last week’s press conference, which introduced Sergej Jakirovic as the club’s new manager.
“I like Louie Barry; he likes us. We had a good conversation with him three days ago. I’m personally involved in this transfer because of my relationship with Monchi (head of football operations at Villa) and Mr Sawiris (Villa owner).
“At the end of the day, Aston Villa’s and our benefits have to match somewhere to make both clubs happy. Of course, Aston Villa have to be happy so that they can give us their player. Louie Barry is one of the first targets.”
Hull City Rebuild
After surviving relegation on goal difference last season, the club sacked two managers in the same season. Tim Walter was sacked in late November, whilst Ruben Selles, the now Sheffield United manager, was sacked after the season finished, despite keeping the club in the Championship.
New manager Jakirovic has already overseen a busy transfer window, bringing in four players and letting go of five more.
Former loanee Gustavo Puerta has rejoined the club, and has been joined by Dillion Phillips, Semi Ajayi and Reda Laalaoui in moving to the MKM Stadium.
In order for the Tigers to reach their ambition of getting back to the Premier League, it’s clear some more players need to come through the doors, but a permanent move for ex-Barcelona youth academy player Barry would be a start. However, if the deal proves too expensive to proceed with, there are certainly other good options at a cheaper cost available.
Writer’s View
Although the 22-year-old’s loan spell didn’t go to plan last season, it’s clear that Barry and the club want a reunion. If a price cannot be agreed however, this deal looks unlikely. The winger, who can play on both sides and upfront, will want to prove his worth after an expensive and disappointing end to the 24/25 season.
It’s fair to say the question that remains is, with such a big price tag, will Barry be worth the money that has already been spent on him.
