Aston Villa must be considering Louie Barry decision - Leicester City, Norwich City and Bolton Wanderers should be on red alert | OneFootball

FLW has looked at three clubs who could swoop for the Villans forward who is out of favour with Sheffield United

Louie Barry's individual woes have certainly continued into the opening weeks and months of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sheffield United.

Despite being one of the most hyped-up homegrown prospects after making the grade at Aston Villa following previous spells at local rivals, West Bromwich Albion and the famous 'La Masia' academy of FC Barcelona, the 22-year-old has endured a stop-start 2025.

The Villans recalled Barry from a 16-goal loan stint at Stockport County in January before sanctioning a first Championship loan to Hull City, where he would suffer ligament damage in just his fourth appearance for the club under Ruben Selles.

Following Selles' dismissal at the MKM Stadium and appointment at Bramall Lane, it came as no surprise when the forward also moved to the Blades on a temporary basis for the season.

Yet, after the Spaniard's reign lasted just six games, Barry doesn't appear to be fancied by Chris Wilder, who issued an honest assessment regarding the loanee's future in S2 after he was omitted from his squad for Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Derby County.

With it looking glaringly obvious that his spell in the Steel City will be cut short by Villa or United as soon as possible, FLW have identified three EFL sides who must be on red alert regarding the situation.

Many would argue that Leicester City have an embarrassment of riches in an attacking sense. However, the Foxes certainly haven't been firing on all cylinders of late.

That is despite the fact Jeremy Monga continues to make headlines, with the teenage sensation continuously linked with moves to Manchester United after becoming the youngest-ever Championship goalscorer back in August.

Marti Cifuentes and supporters are also yet to see Stephy Mavididi make a similar impact to his return of 12 goals and seven assists during the title-winning season of 2023/24, making a loan swoop for Barry as a potential replacement for the aforementioned Monga become a viable option to add extra depth.

Similarly, Barry would also hope to flourish under a manager who has provided opportunities to further attacking prospects such as Louis Page, who has recently been called up to the England Under-18s World Cup squad.

Norwich City

Another side significantly underperforming in the Championship thus far are Norwich City, with Liam Manning continuing to feel the heat as the Canaries find themselves within the relegation zone.

Aside from Josh Sargent's five goals - albeit the American hasn't scored since August - Norwich have looked miles off it from an attacking standpoint.

With the ability to feature in multiple attacking positions, a swoop for Barry in January could help ease the pressure on Sargent's shoulders should he remain at the club amid transfer interest, with Ante Crnac now sidelined through a long-term injury whilst summer recruit, Mathias Kvistgaarden is yet to get his spell at Carrow Road off the ground.

Bolton Wanderers

Rounding off this trio of sides who should be on red alert regarding Barry's situation are League One promotion-hunters, Bolton Wanderers.

Steven Schumacher's side are currently in a rich vein of form after a slow start, showcasing exactly why they have been tipped for a Championship return under the one-time title winner.

Of course, only five loanees are permitted in a matchday squad, meaning a swoop for Barry may hinge on circumstances involving Amario Cozier-Duberry, whose form has, ironically, alerted Barry's current loan club.

But, it's fair to say that Schumacher has got the best out of several young talents, with the Brighton loanee and Mason Burstow - one of Barry's former Hull teammates - well and truly amongst the goals in a fluid system.

This particular way of playing would also help the Villa man get back to his best due to being so versatile, and even though it would represent a short-term drop in standard, it could do Barry's overall development the world of good.