Former Barcelona starlet once dubbed ‘Little Vardy’ now playing in League Two after summer transfer

FORMER Barcelona youngster Louie Barry has seen his career take an unexpected turn as he prepares for League Two football next season.

Barry, 20, is currently on the books at Aston Villa, but has joined fourth tier side Stockport County on a season-long loan.

Reuters

Louie Barry has joined Stockport County on a season-long loan[/caption]

The youngster signed for Villa from Barcelona in 2020 for a fee of £880,000 after spending a season in the Spanish giants’ famed La Masia academy.

Barry became the first ever Englishman to play for the Barcelona academy during his time with the Catalan giants.

But since returning to England he has been sent on a series of loans to help him gain valuable experience.

The left-winger spent the first half of last season on loan at MK Dons in League One before dropping down to League Two in January to join Salford on a six-month deal.

He has also had spells at both Swindon and Ipswich, but is yet to prove himself at the highest level.

Barry scored on his senior debut for Villa in 2019 when he played in the Midlands club’s 4-1 defeat to Liverpool.

It was after that game that he came into some high praise from Reds boss Jurgen Klopp who labelled him a “Little Jamie Vardy“.

Stockport County head coach Dave Challinor explained that it was hard work to secure the services of the highly-rated attacker next season – but seemed delighted to get it done.

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He told the club’s official website: “We’ve had to be really patient, but that’s been rewarded by Louie now being at the club.

“He was our top target in his position, and for him and Aston Villa to choose us as his next destination is really pleasing.”

He went on to say: “Louie is a dribbler, an exciting, pacey forward who has the ability to beat players and will certainly get people off their seats.

“We are really looking forward to working with him and anticipate him having a real impact within the squad.”

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