Blues may say a rare thanks to bitter rivals Aston Villa as Unai Emery’s side are expected to recall League One top scorer Louie Barry from his loan spell at Stockport County.
BirminghamWorld understands Villa are planning on recalling Barry as they feel he has outgrown League One and should be tested in the Championship instead. The 21-year-old has netted an impressive 13 goals in 17 league matches so far this season, helping Stockport up to fourth in the English third tier.
Barry has been absolutely vital to the Hatters’ success, directly contributing to 48 per cent of the team’s League One goals in 2024/25. The versatile attacker was important last campaign, too, as he notched nine goals and four assists in 20 matches as Stockport sealed the League Two title.
Villa recalling Barry wouldn’t necessarily take Stockport out of the promotion race but his departure would certainly hurt their chances, and in turn help Birmingham’s. Blues shouldn’t really have to worry about other contenders as manager Chris Davies has without doubt the best squad in the division at his disposal, but Stockport being weakened would be an added bonus.
A bucket load of Championship clubs have been monitoring Barry’s progress in case of a January recall, with Middlesbrough understood to be among those leading the fight. Our sister publication, The Star, adds that Sheffield Wednesday hold a strong interest.
Blues will have a good look at Barry themselves on Wednesday as they face Stockport at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park. Davies was keen on bringing the forward to Birmingham in the summer but the signing of Jay Stansfield was prioritised instead. It would’ve been awkward then considering the rivalry with Villa but now it would be even more unrealistic with Barry of at least Championship standard.
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