If a recent report from MailSport is believed to be true, Celtic are keen to secure the services of Louie Barry and have launched a £10m bid for the Aston Villa youngster. But they are not alone in the hunt as French side Lens are also ready to splash the cash for the former Barcelona prospect.
While there is strong interest in the 21-year-old Villa talent, boss Unai Emery wants to keep hold of him by offering a new contract to extend his stay beyond the summer of 2027. Barry joined the Villans in January 2020 for £880,000 (could rise to £3.5m with add-ons) but mostly spent his time out on loan in the lower leagues of English football. After spells with Ipswich Town, Swindon Town, MK Dons and Salford City, he finally exhibited his mastery for Stockport County during the 2023-24 season.
Barry played a key role in the Hatters’ League One promotion, and therefore, was roped in by the Greater Manchester side for a second consecutive season-long loan. He went on fire in 16 goals and laid on 3 more in 24 outings, and his stellar show led to a recall earlier this window to be a part of Emery’s first-team training. The club have yet to decide whether to arrange another stint elsewhere for the remainder of the campaign, however, the reported interest from Celtic and Lens has now changed the scenario to some extent.
The Hoops have offered a £5m up-front, with a further £5m in add-ons and a buy-back option. Lens are not far behind having tabled £6m up-front and a similar amount in add-on for the young attacking ace. Villa insist he is not for sale in this window which might force the Bhoys to set their sights on other targets.
Why Celtic Should Not Give Up On Barry Yet
Although the Bhoys were also chasing Raul Moro of Real Valladolid who holds a similar profile as Barry, a horror injury sustained on Friday night against Espanyol might jeopardize his Celtic transfer. They are looking for someone who predominantly features from the left as an inverted winger but can offer flexibility across the frontline. A suspected fractured collarbone has potentially put the Spaniard out of the equation, also, Villa’s stance on the former England youth international might force them to wait until summer.
Celtic are well-equipped high up the pitch with Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn being the main outlets down the flanks. Yang Hyun-Jun, Luis Palma and veteran James Forrest are there as wide attackers, but the trio are only good enough for bit-part roles given the standard the Celts wish to attain under Brendan Rodgers. It is to be seen whether they push for Barry and exhibit more ambition to secure a January transfer.
