Aston Villa could lose 15-goal hotshot to rival Champions League club despite Middlesbrough interest

Celtic have reportedly joined the race to sign Louie Barry from Aston Villa this month following the skilful winger’s loan recall from Stockport County.

Villa decided to cut Barry’s spell at Edgeley Park short as they believed he had outgrown League One and would be better suited to a higher reputation division. The 21-year-old scored 15 goals and made three assists in 23 third-tier appearances for Stockport in the first half of this campaign, kicking on from nine goals and four assists during the Hatters’ 2023/24 League Two promotion season.

A host of Championship clubs are keen on taking Barry for the rest of this term - and Birmingham World exclusively revealed Middlesbrough’s interest in November - but Scottish Premiership giants Celtic have now reportedly joined the race. Football Insider claims the Bhoys want to sign Barry permanently as they are considering several options to reinforce their left wing slot. Barry, who can play on either flank or as a centre-forward, fits the bill.

Celtic are direct rivals of Villa in the Champions League and upcoming opponents on the eighth and final matchday of the league phase. If Barry made the move, he’d likely play against Unai Emery’s men at Villa Park.

As it stands, Villa aren’t likely to keep Barry beyond the January transfer deadline but they’re still undecided whether they’d prefer to let him leave on loan again or permanently. The club’s valuation of the player is also uncertain but they are willing to listen to offers. If the attacker were to depart on a temporary basis, it would be his sixth loan away from Villa Park.

Once a member of Barcelona’s academy, La Masia, Barry has always had the potential to unlock – it’s just taken him a little longer than expected to find his feet. The ex-West Bromwich Albion youngster has steadily progressed in recent years, owing to loans at Ipswich Town, Swindon Town, MK Dons, Salford City and most recently Stockport.

Louie Barry offers far more than just goals

Although he’s emerged as a clinical striker and he remains League One’s top scorer with 15, Barry’s best attribute is arguably his versatility. In his professional career to date, he has played 63 times as a left winger, 38 as a centre-forward, 18 as a right winger and eight as an attacking midfielder.

It’s understood Villa are currently in the market for a versatile winger as Emery wants somebody to fit into a variety of roles when required, so it’s a bit of a mystery that Barry hasn’t been considered so far. The lack of a single Premier League appearance and the fact he could take some time to adapt is a concern but the ability is certainly there.

If Villa do go down the loan route once more, that would at least give Barry the chance to impress at a higher level before making the step up. A move to the Championship or Scottish Premiership - if Celtic would consider a loan instead - would be less of a leap for Barry and would probably better benefit his progression. Time will tell.