Hull City are advancing in talks to sign Aston Villa’s Louie Barry on a permanent deal ahead of Birmingham City, reports Birmingham World.
Hull City must turn the page on a frustrating campaign and focus firmly on rebuilding for the season ahead. After narrowly securing survival on the final day, it marked a disappointing fall from grace for HCAFC, who failed to build on their impressive 7th-place finish in 2024.
Despite steering the side to safety, manager Rubén Sellés was dismissed at the end of the season. In his place, the club moved swiftly to appoint Sergej Jakirović from Turkish Super Lig side Kayserispor, a clear signal of a fresh direction and renewed intent.
HCAFC - New Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic
Image courtesy of: ANGELIKA WARMUTH/REUTERS.
Early transfer business has seen the arrivals of Reda Laalaoui, Dillon Phillips, and Semi Ajayi, but Hull’s summer recruitment drive is far from over. Now the Tigers are closing in on the permanent signing of Louie Barry from Aston Villa, according to Birmingham World.
Barry was on loan with Hull City last year but saw his loan cut short through injury. It is understood that a deal is close, but there is no rush from either side to get it announced.
Birmingham City had been interested in signing Barry after promotion. However, talks did not get to an advanced stage, and the Tigers have moved efficiently to get it done.
Very promising signing
Barry did not have a great time on loan with Hull City from January onwards, but he cannot be judged by that spell. Instead, HCAFC fans should be looking at the form he produced at Stockport County.
Across a year and a half with Stockport, Barry scored 25 goals in 46 games. 16 of those goals came in the first half of last season whilst playing in League One.
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hull city, Hull City set to beat Birmingham City in race for Aston Villa hotshot
Image courtesy of: HANNAH MCKAY/REUTERS.
If Hull City do get this deal over the line, they will be hoping he can kick on and forget the last few months. Should he get back to full fitness, he could be a very tidy pickup.
Good business so far
Hull City’s transfer business in recent years has been heavily criticised. However, so far this summer, it seems like lessons have been learned.
Laalaoui looks like a very promising midfielder brought in on a cheap deal. Whereas Ajayi and Phillips come on free’s bringing experience and filling some gaps in the squad.
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Barry would also be coming in on a relatively cheap deal that could prove a bargain. Barry, on one side, with Mohamed Belloumi on the other, both fit and firing, could be a deadly duo.