Sheffield Wednesday told David Storch is 'serious' after exciting transfer twist | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit has given his reaction to reports that the Owls are closing in on a deal for Aston Villa forward Louie Barry.

It has been a busy start to the summer for Sheffield Wednesday following the takeover by David Storch.

Storch's Arise Capital Partners consortium completed their takeover of Wednesday in May, bringing an end to a nightmare period for the club, and they have wasted no time in getting to work on rebuilding the squad ahead of the new League One season.

The Owls have made four new signings so far this summer, with Ricardo Santos, Sil Swinkels, Jordi Liongola and Callum Slattery all arriving at Hillsborough, and further additions could be imminent.

Wednesday are believed to be close to bringing former captain Barry Bannan back to the club from Millwall, while a loan deal for Leeds United striker Harry Gray is on the cards, and The Star revealed on Monday that a permanent move for Aston Villa forward Louie Barry is "accelerating fast".

After two successful spells with Stockport County and an injury-disrupted stint at Hull City, Barry spent the first half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, but he failed to register a single goal contribution in nine appearances for the Blades before his time at Bramall Lane was cut short in January while he was sidelined with a knee injury.

Barry then returned to Edgeley Park for a third time, and he scored four goals in 10 appearances to help the Hatters to a third-placed finish in League One, but they missed out on promotion as they were beaten 4-1 by Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final.

Exciting Sheffield Wednesday claim made as Owls close in on Louie Barry

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When asked for his reaction to the potential permanent signing of Barry, FLW's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit Patrick McKenna claimed that the deal would be a statement of intent from the Owls' new ownership.

"Louie Barry would obviously be a great signing for Sheffield Wednesday next season," Patrick told FLW.

"He has clearly shown that he is more than capable at League One level, and that's where we're playing next season.

"Of course, he also has age on his side, so if we can make him our own player, then he's a player to develop further and someone you could sell on in the future.

"He would be a very welcome addition to the squad we're looking to build.

"It would show that we are serious about building a squad for promotion next season if that's the sort of player we are going for.

"It shows that the owners aren't really intending to hang about and are looking to target young, talented players with sell-on value as part of the rebuild.

"If that deal does go through, I would be happy with it.

"I think it would be a case of seeing immediate benefits next season and potential long-term financial benefits from any future sale."

Louie Barry deal could give Sheffield Wednesday a huge League One promotion advantage

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Barry scored 19 goals in just 32 appearances during his loan spells with Stockport in League One, so there is no doubt that he would be a huge asset for Wednesday next season if they can get a deal over the line.

Given that Barry is unproven above the third tier, having struggled during stints in the Championship with Hull and Sheffield United, there is an element of risk in signing him permanently, but the 23-year-old is certainly worth a gamble after showing his potential on multiple occasions at Edgeley Park.

Having signed him three times for the Hatters, Barry is well known to Wednesday's new sporting director, Simon Wilson, and the deal would certainly be a clear indication of the ambition of the club's new ownership.