Sheffield Wednesday are well underway with their task of rebuilding their depleted squad and have now set their attention on a former Barcelona academy player.
The Owls have been busy since the window officially opened.
They’ve signed four players so far, as well as extending some key contracts, including Max Lowe.
With most of their transfer work being focused on improving their defence and midfield, Sheffield Wednesday are eyeing a permanent deal for Aston Villa forward Louie Barry.
Sheffield Wednesday Want Louie Barry
23-year-old Barry has been known to the football world for some time. He came through the West Brom academy before catching the eye of Spanish giants Barcelona.
Villa signed Barry from Barça, and he has had several loan moves since then, including Sheffield United and Stockport County, during Simon Wilson’s time at the club.
Now, The Star have reported Sheffield Wednesday are keen on bringing the young forward to Hillsborough, but not on a loan deal.
Alex Miller at the outlet has reported that it’s The Star’s understanding that Wednesday would like to make the deal a permanent one.
It’s not known how much Barry would set the Owls back, but given his quality and age, it’s not likely to be a cheap one, for League One standards.
Mixed Loan Spells
Barry’s spells out on loan have been mixed, to say the least.
From three goals in 49 games combined in the 2022/23 season at MK Dons and Salford City to 15 goals in 23 games in League One for Stockport County.
The forward spent the second half of the season on loan at Wilson’s Stockport, scoring three league goals in six games. He spent the first half of the season across the city at the Blades, failing to score in his nine Championship appearances.
The forward’s best season came in the 2024/25 season. Playing from the left of the attack, he scored 15 goals in 23 League One games, receiving an average Sofascore rating of 7.42.
Barry finished that campaign with 3.1 shots per game, 1.6 shots on target per game, and a goal every 120 minutes.
The Aston Villa player also registered two assists, creating five big chances, and averaging one key pass per game.
Statement Of Intent
If the Owls do pull off the permanent signing of Barry, it would be some statement of intent from the club ahead of the new season.
Last summer, Barry attracted interest from Hull City, but a deal for £3.5m collapsed.
When that deal collapsed, he moved to Sheffield United on loan, but that didn’t work out for him before he returned to League One.
He’s proven he is capable of scoring goals in the third tier, and that’s something the Owls need for next season.
If the club can help Barry develop further and nurture his talent, ready for when/if they make the return to the second tier, he could be a great asset on the pitch and have a potential big resale value.
Photo of Josh Stedman
Josh Stedman
Josh is the Deputy Editor and Sheffield Wednesday writer for Vital Football. Josh grew up supporting Sheffield Wednesday, so is well-placed to write about the club he loves. He is a season ticket holder at Sheffield Wednesday and attends away games whenever possible. He graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with…