Championship club Middlesborough are on alert following Aston Villa’s decision regarding one of their on-loan players, who may be available in January.
It seems Louie Barry is closing in on his final days at Stockport County, as it has been suggested the Premier League club are weighing up recalling the youngster.
That decision could see Middlesborough make a move for the former Barcelona youth star, who is performing above expectations once again with the Hatters, who have been on somewhat of a promotion charge.
The 21-year-old has been integral at Edgeley Park, appearing to be a player who is one to watch, but with the way that Unai Emery’s side has progressed recently, a place in the starting eleven seems some way off.
Aston Villa decision could derail Hatters’ plans.
Barry has been even more impressive this season than in the previous season with the club. Limited to just 20 appearances due to injury, he still picked up Player of the Year for the club with his nine goals. This year, he has proven to be worth the risk, as his fitness has not returned to haunt him, and in 17 games so far, he has led the way with 13 goals.
His form has been one of the reasons why they performed above expectations in the third tier, involving themselves in the promotion conversation, and certainly looking to be a team that would be in the playoff picture come the end of the season.
The one issue with a loan player in good form is that you can always see their parent club recall them, as is the case. Aston Villa are reported to be considering that option in January, which would leave Stockport County without one of their most important players and could change their plans for the January transfer window.
While clubs often possess the option to recall a player from loan, the reason for that decision can vary. In some cases, it could be that the club have seen so much promise from the player that they now have a place for him in the team. It is tough to see that being the case here, and Villa could be in a position to deem that the third tier is below Barry’s level and look at options higher up the footballing pyramid.
Aston Villa put Championship side Middlesborough on alert.
What is bad news for some can often be good news for others. Michael Carrick’s Middlesborough side are said to be waiting on the outcome of Aston Villa’s decision come the January transfer window.
The Championship club did business with Aston Villa recently, selling one of their stars, Morgan Rogers, to the Premier League side, and he does pose a similar profile to Rogers, who saw his maiden Champions League goal against Juventus on Tuesday ruled out.
Goals are not proving to be hard to come by at the Riverside Stadium this season. The side sits in sixth place in the table, teetering on the playoff spots on the verge of the promised land of the Premier League. A player like Barry being added to the side could be a pivotal decision in the second half of their season.
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