Exclusive: What Don Goodman has said on Louie Barry leaving Aston Villa for Birmingham City | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Don Goodman has been discussing Louie Barry's possible switch from Aston Villa to Birmingham City this summer.

Louie Barry has been linked with a move to Championship newcomers Birmingham City this summer.

GIVEMESPORT have claimed that Aston Villa are planning on once again loaning out the 21-year-old to the Championship this summer, after spending the second half of the 24/25 season with Hull City.

It's understood that this revelation has alerted a host of second tier sides to the possibility of securing his services, one of which being newly promoted Birmingham City.

Barry's name is reported as having been discussed within the club, and despite the storied rivalry between the Second City clubs, the close proximity could enable Villa to keep a real close eye on his progress should he make a move to St Andrew's.

"The biggest problem..." - Don Goodman makes Louie Barry, Birmingham City claim

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player, Don Goodman: 'Birmingham City have an eye on Louie Barry at Aston Villa. Do you think Barry would be a guaranteed starter in Chris Davies' XI if he signed?'

Goodman said: "It was a real shame the way the season ended for Louie Barry.

"The first-half of the season at Stockport County was incredible really, and actually, only seven players scored more League One goals than him despite the fact he only played half the season, which is really impressive.

"But, when he went to Hull City, he only managed two starts, and couldn't get a regular game in the team (prior to his season-ending injury).

"So, he'll be looking to get more football and play more minutes. The concern is that if he couldn't make a start at Hull City, is he going to get regular game-time at Birmingham?

"Of course the biggest problem with that move is the absolute politics between Birmingham City and Aston Villa.

"So whether or not that could be a deal that could be made, I would probably doubt it."

Aston Villa and Birmingham City both have tough Louie Barry decisions to make

This summer feels like a crucial moment in Barry's young career.

Having suffered a significant knee injury after just four appearances in a Hull City shirt, the former Barcelona youngster will be hoping to be fully fit and raring to go again come the start of the 25/26 campaign.

He's proven himself to be a top-quality player at League One level during his time with Stockport, but having played and scored in his Aston Villa debut at just 17 back in 2021, there has evidently always been sky-high expectations for the 21-year-old at Villa Park.

However, with his frustrating end to what was an outstanding first-half of the 2024/25 season, Barry and Villa will need to select his next club very carefully if another loan move is to be sanctioned in the coming weeks.

On the one hand, Birmingham City could be that ideal club. Chris Davies has showcased his desire to play attractive, expansive and attacking football at St Andrew's, and that philosophy would certainly align with Barry's strengths as a player.

His versatility could see him find minutes in numerous different roles for the Blues, providing invaluable squad depth and a quality player to compete and push other members of the squad.

However, Villa will need to weigh up the prospect of a move to the blue half of the city potentially damaging his reputation among their own supporters.

If they do indeed see him as being a part of their long-term future, would a spell with Birmingham City risk burning bridges with the Villa Park faithful, or at the very least, would it always leave a stain on his Villa career?

Likewise for Birmingham, would Blues fans themselves take to his arrival and welcome him with open arms, or would they also find it difficult to accept an import from their bitter inter-city rivals?

At this stage of his career, the forward needs to be playing in an environment where there is as little drama surrounding his presence as possible, and somewhere where he can get his head down and concentrate on proving himself at Championship level.

In that regard, Birmingham City may well not be the most suitable place for Aston Villa to send him, even if they would surely relish the idea of being able to keep a very close eye on his progress with a move to Blues.