Stockport County urged to seal Aston Villa agreement amid Sheffield United uncertainty – Bramall Lane situation is a ‘travesty’

This piece is a part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which offers our FLW Fan Pundits’ own thoughts on the most recent breaking news, teams, players, managers, possible signings, and more.

In the January transfer window, Chris Wilder is expected to part ways with three Sheffield United loanees, including Louie Barry of Aston Villa.

Football League World has exclusively reported that the 58-year-old Blades manager intends to cut Barry, Tyler Bindon, and Ben Godfrey from the team when the market opens in the new year.

After being fired as manager in the summer, Wilder was not involved in the club’s summer operations. However, he unexpectedly returned in September following the dismissal of Ruben Selles.

All three came on loan, but since Wilder took over as manager, they have struggled to get playing time.

During the first half of the previous season, Barry played effectively for Stockport County while on loan in League One, but he hasn’t had much of an impact in the Championship.

If Sheffield United sends Louie Barry back to Aston Villa, Stockport County is expected to secure his reunion.

 

Cropper told Football League World, “I’ve seen their (Sheffield United) fans talking about him not being up to the level, not being up to scratch.”

“Given how young he is and how much talent he still possesses, it is somewhat of a pity that he hasn’t been in their squad lately.

He was simply too skilled for the level based on what he demonstrated to us. He was so incredible that he turned League One defenders into statues.

“I believe that our over-reliance on him was evident when he departed in January. We improved as a team overall, but if we were to win him back, I believe Villa would still prefer that he join a Championship team.

He paid a lot of money to have him on loan at Hull last season, but he didn’t play much because of an early injury. Thus, at that time, the jury was still out.

Even though the team doesn’t really need him anymore, Cropper has asserted that Stockport should try to sign him: He seems to need to gain more self-assurance in League One.

“I would advise pushing the boat out, but we seem like a very strong team, and I know that will sound very entitled and haughty, but we probably don’t need him because we’re such a well-oiled machine right now.

He would undoubtedly make us better, but it would cost a lot of money to hire him. I believe Villa wants him to keep improving, but I don’t think they see him as a long-term member of their team.

“I believe their only goal is to raise his market value so they can sell him. We definitely couldn’t afford him if that were the case, but I hope we push the boat out.

However, I can see Villa trying to get into the Championship. Sheffield United is clearly underperforming, even if I am aware of how awful they have been this season.

“They most likely want to send him to a team with lower expectations, like Hull from the previous season, or to someone who is expected to be down there, like an Oxford or something. I would really like to see him return to County, but I believe they would prefer that.

Barry had two successful loan stints with Stockport. He first joined during the summer transfer window in 2023 and contributed to the team’s promotion from League Two with nine goals and four assists in 20 games.

Before being summoned back in January, the playmaker returned to the team in the summer of last year and made 23 appearances in League One, scoring 15 goals and dishing out two assists.

Injuries hindered Barry’s tenure at the MKM Stadium during his loan stint at Hull in the second part of the previous season, during which he played just four games as the Tigers narrowly survived relegation from the Championship.

Since taking over as manager at Bramall Lane, Wilder has had little playing time, and the 22-year-old is finding it difficult to make an impression in the second division.

Louie Barry could be better off returning to Stockport.

 

After a disappointing Championship loan stint last season, Amario Cozier-Duberry has flourished this season in League One at Bolton.

Thus, returning to the third tier might be the wisest course of action for Barry at this point, if only to regain his confidence.

Sheffield United’s numerous problems both on and off the field this season have made them an unsuitable destination for him.

Returning to Stockport might be the last piece in the Hatters’ League One promotion puzzle this season and help him reintegrate and flourish in a setting he is familiar with.