Sheffield Wednesday have secured the signing of Louie Barry from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee, winning the race for the 23-year-old attacker ahead of several other interested clubs.
Barry's Excitement at Finding a Home
Speaking about his move, Barry said: “I’m buzzing and I can't wait to get started – it’s just about finding a home and this is the place I want to be for the next part of my career.” He added: “It's now time to settle down and find a home and I think that will come out in my performances as well. I've walked into a really warm atmosphere. Getting a good pre-season under my belt is a massive thing to build connections and to get used to the style of play straight away.”
Barry expressed his alignment with the club's ambitions: “I feel like I can progress at the same speed as the club wants to, which is fantastic. To call a club your own is just a great feeling.”
Previous Transfer That Fell Through
Barry had been set to join Hull City last summer in a deal worth £3.5 million, but the transfer collapsed after the Tigers were hit with a transfer embargo. He instead joined Sheffield United on loan, but Villa recalled him following an injury. Barry then returned to Stockport County for a third spell at Edgeley Park.
Impact at Stockport County
The forward was effectively brought back to bolster Stockport's play-off push and quickly made an impact after returning to fitness, scoring a hat-trick against Peterborough United in County's penultimate home game of the season. Barry also found the net against Stevenage in the second leg of the League One play-off semi-final, helping Dave Challinor's side reach the final. However, Stockport were beaten by Bolton Wanderers at Wembley.
Across his three spells with Stockport, Barry scored 29 goals in 56 appearances. He has also netted six times for Swindon Town, twice for Salford City, and once for MK Dons during previous loan spells.
Strengthening Wednesday's Squad
The signing continues Wednesday's squad strengthening ahead of the new League One season, as they aim to build on their recent performances.
