Aston Villa and Hull City could announce a transfer agreement imminently.
Louie Barry could complete his transfer from Aston Villa to Hull City as soon as today but there’s no rush to get the deal over the line, Birmingham World understands.
Talks between Villa and Hull are at the final stages and Barry is keen on the move after seeing an initial six-month loan move cut short through injury. All parties are hopeful the transfer - which is permanent rather than another loan - can be finalised shortly, with the fee undisclosed.
Villa’s bitter local rivals Birmingham City were interested in signing Barry after being impressed during his imperious six-month stint at Stockport County in League One last term. Blues were never in advanced talks to sign Barry, however, whereas Hull were efficient in their negotiations with Villa.
Another Championship sale imminent for Aston Villa
Barry isn’t the only promising youngster being sold, as Kaine Kesler-Hayden will depart Villa Park on a permanent deal, with a £3.5 million transfer to Coventry City all agreed. Birmingham World understands Unai Emery is content with the depth at right-back and has given the green light for Kesler-Hayden to complete his move to the Coventry Building Society Arena.
The 22-year-old deserves every success as he worked very hard to win Preston North End’s player of the season award while on loan at Deepdale throughout 2024/25. Kesler-Hayden played 44 of Preston’s 46 Championship matches and impressed with his defensive work rate and tenacity down the right flank.
Aston Villa’s PSR situation now under control
A source close to Villa has confirmed to Birmingham World that the Barry and Kesler-Hayden sales are not directly related to the ongoing concerns over the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Instead, it’s understood the sale of 90 per cent of the women’s team to sister company V Sports is at an advanced stage, with the other 10 per cent to be sold to an investor.
Although the incoming funds from Barry and Kesler-Hayden’s sales will help balance the books, their exits have been sanctioned because Villa feel their sales represent good value for money. There has been no pressure to get their departures over the line before the PSR deadline, with no concerns at this stage. It has been more of a coincidence that both deals have progressed at a similar time.
Continue Reading