"Could be a good option" - Louie Barry to Norwich City mooted amid Borja Sainz situation | OneFootball

FLW's Norwich City fan pundit has weighed in on whether Louie Barry would be an adequate replacement for Borja Sainz

The futures of Norwich City star Borja Sainz and Stockport County loanee Louie Barry will both be key talking points in the upcoming January transfer window.

Sainz has been a breakout star in the Championship so far this season, leading the way in the goal-scoring charts with 15, compared to second place Josh Maja who is on 10.

Meanwhile, several Championship clubs have been linked with a potential move for Aston Villa youngster Barry, who is similarly gaining a lot of attention for his performances in League One with Stockport County.

With most of the second tier after Barry's signature, Norwich City could be one club who get involved in the clamour to sign him, especially if Sainz does depart, amid reports of interest from Galatasaray prior to the market opening next month.

Louie Barry Norwich transfer verdict

When asked whether Barry could be a suitable replacement for Sainz, FLW’s Norwich fan pundit Zeke Downes suggested that he would rather have both at the club.

He believes agreeing a loan deal as a replacement for Sainz wouldn’t be adequate, if the winger did depart in January.

“I think Louie Barry looks like a good player, and Aston Villa also obviously think that because he’s being recalled and hope to loan him to the Championship as well,” Downes told Football League World.

“That could be a good option.

“I think that’s more likely as well as Sainz, I don’t think it would be to replace Sainz.

“Because we still need another right option anyway, and I don’t see Sainz leaving, but if he does I can’t imagine that they’ll only bring someone in on loan.

“They would need to make a permanent signing, because that leaves us way too light, and it’s a big risk as well.

“But, I do like the look of Louie Barry, so I would be happy to have him in on loan.”

Selling Sainz for Barry loan in January wouldn’t go down well

While Barry is very sought after going into January, a loan deal wouldn’t be enough for Norwich to replace Sainz.

Villa are unlikely to sanction any kind of permanent deal until at least the summer, and there are no guarantees they’d allow it at all, so he’s not a long-term option in place of Sainz.

Norwich would need to go into the market and buy someone else, as well as try to get Barry in, if the 23-year-old were to leave.