Sheffield United transfer breakthrough has Ruben Selles fingerprints all over it | OneFootball

Louie Barry has completed his loan switch from Aston Villa to Sheffield United.

It is clear that Ruben Selles played a huge role in Sheffield United winning the race to sign Louie Barry from Aston Villa this summer.

The Blades have confirmed the arrival of the 22-year-old on loan for the season, with the club eyeing another push for promotion to the Premier League.

The Spanish coach arrived as manager earlier in the summer, replacing Chris Wilder after their defeat to Sunderland in the Championship play-off final.

Selles previously managed Barry at Hull City in the second half of the previous campaign, although injuries meant that the forward was only capable of four league appearances for the Tigers.

There will be a lot of excitement at Sheffield United about his arrival given the potential he possesses, with his performances for Stockport County last year in League One in particular highlighting what he could bring to the team.

Ruben Selles’ impact in Sheffield United signing Louie Barry

The battle for Barry’s signature was intense, with a number of clubs initially linked with his arrival.

It was reported in May that the likes of Derby County, Norwich City, West Brom and even Villa’s bitter local rivals Birmingham City were all eyeing a possible move.

While a return to Hull looked on the cards, the £3.5m deal eventually collapsed, which opened the door for the Blades to swoop.

Following confirmation of his move to Bramall Lane, the Villa player credited Selles with playing a major role in his decision to move to the Yorkshire outfit for the new season.

When asked if he played a significant role in the move to Bramall Lane, he replied, via the club’s official YouTube channel: “Definitely.

“I only had a short spell, unfortunately last season I got injured whilst with him. But he had a big role on me when I was there.

“I love his style of play, it’s exactly what I stand for as a player. Intense and front-footed and wanting to get to the goal as soon as possible.

“I’ve got a really good relationship with the gaffer. I can’t wait to get training and get his style of play into the Sheffield United team.”

The pair have now reunited ahead of the new campaign, where both parties will be hoping for much greater success than at the MKM Stadium.

The role Barry can play in Sheffield United’s season

It’s clear that Selles still sees a lot in Barry despite the disappointment of what happened in the second half of last season.

The 42-year-old has brought him with him to Sheffield United, and he obviously believes that the Villa player is someone that can help the club earn promotion to the Premier League.

His impressive stint with Stockport in League One shows the kind of danger he brings in the final third, with Barry contributing 15 goals and three assists from 23 appearances in the third tier before making that move to Hull.

The 22-year-old is also versatile and can play anywhere across the frontline, which will give Selles a real Swiss Army Knife-type player to deploy in attack, as well as some added firepower.

That could be desperately needed too, as Gus Hamer is receiving major transfer interest this summer, with Brazilian giants Palmeiras the latest club to be linked with his signature.

Meanwhile, Blades centre-forward Kieffer Moore is also seemingly attracting interest from Championship newcomers Wrexham, who reportedly have £10m to spend on acquiring a new striker this summer.

Therefore, provided he can stay fit, this could prove a very beneficial reunion for all parties in the upcoming season, and one that sees Barry potentially playing a major role in Selles' side next term.