Aston Villa to agree exit for ‘huge talent’ as Birmingham City and West Brom eye January deal
Aston Villa could be set to conduct a late January deal with Birmingham City or West Brom.
The Villans have conducted plenty of business at The Hawthorns over the years, with Samuel Iling-Junior’s move to West Brom being the latest example.
Plenty of stars have played for both sides, with Morgan Rogers being Villa’s talisman, having broken through at West Brom before leaving in 2019.
There are fewer names who have played for Villa and Blues, with Emi Buendia being linked to Birmingham in the summer, but a move never went through.
A transfer tug of war could break out between Villa’s two local rivals, with a deal potentially on the cards with less than two weeks remaining in the window.
Birmingham City and West Brom want Louie Barry
Louie Barry returned to Aston Villa from Sheffield United earlier this winter and has yet to be seen in and around Unai Emery’s first team squad.
This campaign has been far from ideal for Barry after failing to make a positive impression with the Blades under either Chris Wilder or Ruben Selles.
Having played nine times at Bramall Lane, the Englishman failed to score and was eventually sent back to B6.
It appears likely that Barry will leave the claret and blue outfit in some respect in January, with former scout Bryan King suggesting a move to Birmingham or West Brom could be on the cards.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: ” I think if he goes anywhere, it’s got to be on Villa’s terms, not his.
“I would have thought he’d be ok in the Championship, but I don’t think Sheffield United was the right place.
“Wilder didn’t fancy him, and it was difficult for him to get into the side.
“I’d have said someone like Birmingham City or West Brom will want him. That would let Villa keep an eye on him for a local side.
“He’s still got a lot to learn, and for now, he’s not going to play for Villa’s first team.
“If a Championship club wants a forward, it’s time for him to move on.“
Barry still highly rated away from Aston Villa
Things didn’t work out for Barry at Sheffield United or Hull City, but that shouldn’t take away from just how good he was for Stockport County.
The versatile forward was stellar across two spells in League One and Two, where his form resulted in a recall and loan to the Championship.
That move to Hull didn’t go down particularly well with former England international Carlton Palmer left unhappy by the deal in a 2024 interview with Football League World.
The ex-defender was still hugely impressed by Barry, however, “I think that’s a bit cruel on Stockport, who have taken him on loan. He’s found his feet at Stockport last season and this season, where he’s done terrifically well. He’s a huge talent.“
That sort of review could be enough for the 22-year-old to land a new move, whether that be to Birmingham or West Brom, we shall see.
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