Derby County are ramping up their efforts to secure a goal-scoring forward as the January transfer window approaches, with Aston Villa's Louie Barry emerging as a key target for the Rams. Reports from Derbyshire Live indicate that Villa are poised to recall Barry from his current loan at Stockport County, a development that has ignited speculation about Derby's intentions to act swiftly once the window opens.
The 21-year-old forward has enjoyed a stellar season, having scored 14 goals in 21 appearances for Stockport, significantly contributing to the club's ambitions for a place in the League One play-offs. Over the course of his loan spell, Barry has netted a total of 23 goals in 41 league matches, playing a crucial role in Stockport's promotion from League Two last season.
Derby are not the only club monitoring Barry's situation; several Championship sides, including Sunderland and Leeds United, are also keeping a close watch on the forward's potential availability. Barry has openly discussed his recall from Villa, sharing his aspirations and reflections on his career journey—comments that are likely to resonate with Derby supporters eager for the club to bolster Paul Warne's attacking options in the upcoming transfer window.
"As a loan player, the goal is to go back to your parent club and hopefully play or be around," Barry remarked in an interview on Stockport's YouTube channel. He also highlighted his strong ties to Aston Villa, stating, "Obviously I'm a Villa fan; my dad has a Villa tattoo on his arm and his leg. He'll probably get a Stockport one now because he loves County that much!"
Barry emphasised his determination to make an impact at Villa, asserting, "The main goal now is to go back to Villa, and I think I have earned that now. It's about me showing them what I can do when I get back and hopefully break through. That is the number one goal." Reflecting on his previous loan experiences, he acknowledged, "My other loans before were when I was very young, and I felt like I was doing well, but my stats weren't there."
He credited Stockport's manager, Dave Challinor, for his development, stating, "The gaffer showed belief in me and said to me in training that I was doing well, but I needed more goals and assists, high-speed running too." Barry believes that this encouragement has been instrumental in his ability to deliver results this season.
Expressing confidence in his growth as a player, Barry remarked, "I've believed in my ability since I was six years old, but I really needed that push, and this has been a perfect fit for me. County is the club that has propelled my career." He also reflected on the evolution of his playing style this season: "Last season I stayed wide or played in the middle. This season was different coming in off the left. I hadn't really done that before in that type of 10 role."
The young forward shared insights into his adaptation to this new position, stating, "Playing in a bit of a different position, I was still learning. I was doing extras in the pocket, and it really helped me." He concluded with optimism, acknowledging, "I think I have come on leaps and bounds, and in the last three or four months, I think I am a much, much better player, and now I can play in that position. That versatility will help me."
As the January transfer window looms, the potential outcome of Barry's situation is one that Rams fans will be watching with keen interest, particularly as they hope to enhance their attacking options in the second half of the season.