Celtic are set to miss out on winger Louie Barry, with Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas reporting that the player is expected to join Sheffield United on loan in the next week.
The 22-year-old had been on Celtic’s radar this summer, but a move to the English Championship now looks more likely.
Soccer Football – FA Cup – Third Round – Aston Villa v Liverpool – Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain – January 8, 2021 Aston Villa’s Louie Barry in action with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones Pool via REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Barry started his career at West Brom before moving to Barcelona and then Aston Villa.
Over the last couple of years, he’s had several loan spells in the English lower leagues, where he’s caught the eye with his pace and attacking ability. His performances have attracted interest from both England and Scotland, with Celtic believed to be one of the clubs keeping tabs on him.
Despite the links, no deal has materialised from the Hoops. Brendan Rodgers is still looking to add more firepower out wide, but it looks like Barry won’t be part of those plans. Sheffield United are said to be leading the race for the winger and are close to completing a loan move.
Sheffield United spent last season in the Championship and finished third, just missing out on promotion after losing the play-off final to Sunderland at Wembley. The Blades are now aiming to go one better and see Barry as someone who can add creativity and energy to their push for a return to the top flight.
Soccer Football – FA Cup – Third Round – Aston Villa v Liverpool – Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain – January 8, 2021 Aston Villa’s Louie Barry Pool via REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Celtic’s interest in Barry shows the club’s intent to strengthen the wide areas, especially with Nicolas Kühn leaving for Como and Jota ruled out for the first half of the season through injury. Barry’s profile would have fit the bill, but attention will now turn to other potential targets.
With the new season fast approaching and Champions League qualifiers on the horizon, Rodgers will be keen to bring in the right players soon. While Barry now looks set for a move south, the Hoops’ transfer business is far from finished.
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