According to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein, Louie Barry has interest from a number of Football League clubs, but Aston Villa have made a ‘pledge’ to transform their academy by retaining their top talents, so he may not be granted a temporary departure.
The 17-year-old joined Villa from Barcelona in January and has gone on to make one appearance for the under-18s, scoring two goals. He has made nine appearances for the under-23s, scoring five goals, and has been described by Dean Smith as a ‘bright young kid’.
Barry has shone at youth level for England too, scoring 35 goals in 25 games for the under-15s, seven goals in 10 games for the under-16s and two goals (plus three assists) in four games for the under-17s. He is a regular for Villa’s reserve team and seems to have a bright future in the Midlands, so it’s easy to see why Villa want to continue developing him at Bodymoor Heath.
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Although Ollie Watkins, Keinan Davis and Bertrand Traore are standing in Barry’s way of getting playing time at senior level, Dean Smith has given 19-year-old playmaker Jacob Ramsey four first team appearances this season.
That indicates there is a pathway to the first team for youngsters at the club and it is surely in Villa’s best interests to continue developing raw diamonds like Barry rather than cashing in on them prematurely.
In other news, one Aston Villa talent has reportedly attracted ‘increased interest’ from Football League clubs.
