Celtic face Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League later this month as they look to seal progression to the next phase of the competition. Brendan Rodgers’ side are reportedly interested in raiding the Premier League side for one of their highly rated talents once again.
After signing Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo from Villa last summer, Celtic are reportedly in contention to sign wide player Louie Barry.
According to football journalist Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are eyeing a permanent deal to sign Barry after he was recalled by Villa.
The 21-year-old plays predominately off the left but can also play through the middle. The English forward, who is eligible for Ireland, has spent the last eighteen months with Stockport County – making 46 appearances, scoring 25 goals and assisting 7 times.
Former Liverpool and Villa striker Stan Collymore said he would drive the player to Paradise as he recommended a switch if he’s not making it into the first team under Unai Emery.
Would love to see him in our 1st team squad, even to get minutes off the bench for a spell. He's still only a baby, Villa fan and desperate to get a chance.
If not though, I'll drive him to Paradise, he'd absolutely fly up there. Pace to burn, goals, worldies.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) January 13, 2025
Barry is a product of the West Brom youth setup, where he impressed and earned a dream move to Barcelona. Albeit, he only spent a year at La Masia, playing with their U19s before returning to England and Villa. Barry has played just once for Villa, scoring one goal.
The Scottish Champions are keen on adding to their wide options to provide competition for Nicolas Kühn and Daizen Maeda. Luis Palma is expected to be moved on this window, despite Brendan’s comments about him being a popular figure at the club. James Forrest remains out and while the manager is impressed with Yang at training, the South Korean winger is yet to convert it into goal contributions on the pitch.
