Aston Villa may sell Louie Barry to Midlands rivals in January transfer twist
Aston Villa could sell young star Louie Barry to Derby County in January, according to Alan Nixon.
Nixon reported via The Sun on Sunday [8 December, page 55] that Derby have joined Middlesbrough in the race for the youngster’s signature, and Villa could even sanction a permanent deal with a buy-back clause.
However, there are doubts over whether Midlands rivals Derby could afford the fee Villa are looking for.
The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Stockport County in League One and has scored 14 goals in 19 matches so far.
The Villans are planning to recall the former Barcelona sensation when the transfer window opens as they believe a Championship loan would better serve his development [29 November, Birmingham World].
Louie Barry buy-back deal makes sense for Aston Villa
A permanent deal with a buy-back clause would make perfect sense for Unai Emery’s side rather than another loan.
The 21-year-old has had six loan spells already in his senior career and if the Villans keep him, he would likely head out on loan again, either in the new year or next summer.
With the form of Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, there is no chance for Barry to make an impact on the first-team squad at the moment.
The youngster signed a new contract in July 2023 before his first spell at Stockport so should fetch a good fee if he is allowed to leave on a permanent deal.
His stock is the highest it has ever been right now, so Emery’s side should cash in and insert a buy-back clause in the deal so that if he does fulfill his potential, they can bring him back.
Right now, that is a world away and the club should focus on qualifying for the Champions League again and use the money to invest in January.
In other Aston Villa news, Dr Rajpal Brar has given an update on Jacob Ramsey’s return from injury.
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