Aston Villa to assess Louie Barry in January but will a Championship move follow? | OneFootball

Leeds United has emerged as the leading contender among Championship clubs pursuing Aston Villa's talented forward Louie Barry, who is set to conclude his loan spell at Stockport County in January. The 21-year-old's exceptional performances have sparked interest from multiple clubs seeking his signature during the upcoming transfer window.

Record-breaking performance at Stockport

Barry's time at Stockport County has been nothing short of remarkable, with the former Barcelona academy player scoring 15 goals and providing three assists in 22 appearances accross all competitions this season. His achievement of scoring in seven consecutive league games marked a historic post-war record for Stockport. The young forward's brilliance earned him two League One Player of the Month awards, helping propel Stockport to fifth position in the league table.

His impact at Stockport began last season when he played a vital role in the club's promotion campaign from League Two, delivering nine goals and four assists in 20 league matches.

Championship clubs circle as Villa plans assessment

Upon Barry's return to Villa Park in early January, manager Unai Emery will review his progress to determine whether he should join the first-team squad alongside Ollie Watkins and Jhon Durán or seek another loan opportunity. Barry voiced his ambition, saying,

While Leeds United leads the pursuit, they face competition from Sheffield United, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough. However, Middlesbrough's interest has reportedly cooled, potentially strengthening Leeds' position in securing Barry's services.

Transfer possibilities and future prospects

Previous market valuations placed Barry's worth at £12.5 million, though his recent form might have pushed this figure higher. Football expert Carlton Palmer highlighted various possibilities for Barry's future, including a potential sale, loan move, or integration into Villa's first team.

Barry's final matches for Stockport will be against Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United before his Villa return. Stockport has expressed gratitude to both Barry and Aston Villa for their participation in the club's development programme.

Villa's decision will likely focus on ensuring Barry receives regular playing time. Leeds United's current attacking options, including Willy Gnonto, Dan James, and Joel Piroe, could influence their ability to provide consistent game time for the young striker.

The upcoming January transfer window will determine Barry's next move, as he stands among English football's most promising young talents.