West Brom make shock approach to re-sign former striker, deal almost done
West Brom were one of multiple clubs who enquired about signing Louie Barry on loan from Aston Villa as he closes in on a switch, according to The Sun.
The Sun reported in their print edition (28 January, page 48) that with Barry looking set to sign for Hull City on loan from Villa, the Tigers have beaten every single Championship team to his signature.
That includes the Baggies – for whom Barry spent 10 years in the academy before moving to Barcelona in 2019 – and despite Albion making an approach to Villa over his availability, the 21-year-old is set for East Yorkshire.
West Brom miss the boat on Louie Barry transfer return
Barry being back in Baggies colours would have been one hell of a story for the Black Country club, completing an arc which has taken him from The Hawthorns to Barcelona and back to excel in the EFL.
Although Barry spent just a single season in Barcelona’s academy after leaving the Albion thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, his spell there and form in the years since make him an increasingly hot property.
With 15 goals scored in League One for high-flying Stockport County so far this term, it’s no surprise to see all 24 Championship clubs enquiring over a loan move following his mid-season return to Villa Park.
It remains to be seen if the decision to join Hull over 23 other suitors – including one where he spent 10 years as a junior – was more player-led than club-led, but it’s clear that the Tigers have secured a coup.
However, with Barry’s future now looking decided for the next six months at least, any club facing Hull will have a plan in place to deal with a player whom any one of them could have up front instead.
In other West Brom news, Albion’s man of the match against Portsmouth is attracting transfer interest from clubs across Europe.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.