Birmingham City have been linked with a move for Aston Villa winger Louie Barry recently, as per a report by GiveMeSport.
Birmingham City have an important few months ahead on the recruitment front. BCFC are preparing for life in the Championship following their promotion from League One.
BCFC - Birmingham City players huddle
Image courtesy of: CAT GORYN/REUTERS.
Barry, 21, will return to Aston Villa for pre-season and his future is up in the air right now. His current club have a big decision to make on what to do with him next.
The Blues have been mentioned as a potential suitor. However, they should look at other targets in his position as well due to his recent injury issues.
Former player Lee Hendrie has backed the player to return to the Football League in the near future and has said, as per Football League World: “He went to Hull, but it didn’t work out injury-wise. I think he will be in the EFL next season. I think it’s going to be a Championship side that will suit his capabilities, because that’s what really worked for him going to Stockport. Hull probably would’ve worked for him as well, but you’d expect one of the top clubs in the Championship to try and make sure they get him on a loan deal.”
Birmingham City should swerve Louie Barry move due to injury woes
Regardless of the fact he plays for Birmingham City’s rivals Aston Villa, Chris Davies should look elsewhere for wingers instead of Barry. BCFC need players who are robust and have proved themselves in the second tier and higher.
BCFC - Birmingham City boss Chris Davies
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
Barry is a bright talent but he hasn’t played much football above League One at all. In fact, he only played four times on loan at Hull City during the second-half of the last campaign.
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The attacker has struggled with a knee problem over recent times and hasn’t been able to keep fit. It would be a big gamble for the Blues to fork out the money to sign him, whether that be permanently or the cash for his wages, and they would be better off seeking alternative options.
Birmingham City target Louie Barry needs game time
Barry is unlikely to break straight into Birmingham City’s first-team if he went there. He may have to bide his time at BCFC due to competition for places.
The ex-West Brom and Barcelona man made his name at Stockport County after tough loan spells with the likes of Ipswich Town, MK Dons and Salford City, among others. He was a hit during his days at Edgeley Park and his form with the Hatters earned him his Hull City move.
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His switch to the Tigers looked good on paper. He was due to get plenty of action at the MKM Stadium to help boost his development. Injury struck though and he rarely played.
That is why Birmingham City should halt their reported pursuit of him for now and Barry would be better off going somewhere similar to Hull City to play every week. The ball lies firmly in Aston Villa’s court and it will be interesting to see what Unai Emery opts to do.