Louie Barry Joins Sheffield United on Season-Long Loan from Aston Villa

Sheffield United have completed the signing of highly rated Aston Villa forward Louie Barry on a season-long loan deal, bolstering Ruben Selles' attacking options ahead of the new Championship campaign.

Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old reunites with Selles following a brief loan spell under the Blades boss at Hull City earlier this year, which was disrupted by injury. Despite that setback, Barry arrives at Bramall Lane with a strong reputation, thanks in part to his prolific form at Stockport County during the first half of last season.

The former Barcelona academy player scored 15 goals in 23 League One games for Stockport during the 2024–25 campaign, earning multiple EFL Player of the Month awards before being recalled by Villa in January. He returned to full fitness in April and rejoined Stockport on loan for a second spell, immediately hitting the ground running with further individual honours in August and November.

Speaking to Sheffield United's official site, Barry said:"The first time I had conversations about it, I just couldn't wait to come here. The season is three weeks away, and I know we have a couple of friendlies before, but I am just buzzing to get started."

Barry's arrival marks Sheffield United's second signing of the day, following the acquisition of teenage Bulgarian defender Anton Polendakov from Septemvri Sofia.

A product of West Brom's academy, Barry made headlines in 2019 when he became the first English player to sign for Barcelona's La Masia, before joining Aston Villa in 2020. He's represented both England and the Republic of Ireland at youth international level.

Selles will be hoping Barry's pace, technical ability, and proven finishing at EFL level will help sharpen a Sheffield United attack aiming for promotion contention. With the season fast approaching, Barry will look to make an immediate impact as the Blades fine-tune their preparations with pre-season fixtures.