Stockport County Make Ambitious Move

Stockport County have made an ambitious move to sign Louie Barry permanently from Aston Villa, as reported by TEAMtalk.

The Hatters made up for their heartbreak from last season’s playoff loss by securing the League Two title to earn promotion to League One. The success marks a historic moment for the club that last played in the third tier in 2008 before a fall to the National League saw them begin their rise once again.

20-year-old midfielder Louie Barry was a key part of the title success in this campaign, spending the season on loan from the Premier League club.

Barry’s season at Stockport.

A hamstring injury did not stop Barry from impressing during his loan stint with the Hatters as he made 20 appearances this campaign, scoring nine goals and registering four assists for Dave Challinor’s side. The 20-year-old said he has felt a connection with the fans at Edgeley Park following his fifth loan spell during his time at Villa Park.

That connection could come into play when he must decide on his future, with clubs competing for the signature of a player deemed one of the brightest young talents this century.

Could Stockport County seal a move for Barry?

It is certainly an ambitious move from the side to make a move for a player of Barry’s calibre, but as said before, his connection to the fans could play a factor in that decision.

The 20-year-old has been out on loan five times, playing for the likes of Ipswich Town, Swindon Town, MK Dons and Salford City during that time. However, it was a move to Barcelona in 2019 that saw him begin to capture attention, making him the first English player to feature for the Spanish giants academy.

While they would be hopeful that his sentimental connection would influence his decision to join permanently, they face competition from clubs in the Championship, and seeing a financial decision come into play could see Stockport miss out.

And despite an impressive season in League Two with the club, there seems to be no place in Unai Emery’s team at Villa Park for the youngster.

Stockport County preparing for League One.

The Hatters are preparing for life in League One for the 2024/25 campaign and are said to be very keen on Barry being a part of those plans.

One player they already know they will be without for their next campaign is 34-year-old forward Paddy Madden. The club confirmed that the striker will depart at the end of his contract after scoring 22 goals for the League Two champions this campaign. The Irishman is reportedly close to joining National League champions Chesterfield, a move which would see him remain in the fourth tier for another season.

It is unclear what other moves in the transfer market Stockport will make this summer but as a newly promoted team, they will almost certainly look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign. The performances of last season’s promoted teams Stevenage, Northampton Town and Leyton Orient would only encourage Dave Challinor’s side, ignoring Carlisle’s season in the third tier.