Leeds United now ‘in the running’ for Louie Barry transfer after what Emery said
Leeds United have struggled with their strikers throughout the 2024/25 season.
While both Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph have done a decent job on occasion, it feels like a lot more could come from the Whites’ number nines.
So, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that throughout the winter transfer window, many strikers have been linked with an Elland Road switch.
One of those players has been Aston Villa starlet Louie Barry who the Villans recalled from his loan at Stockport County in order for him to have a go at playing at a stronger level (LeedsLive).
Several Championship clubs have already been linked with a move but after what Unai Emery said in his pre-Everton press conference [14 January], it feels like Leeds could be an ideal place for Barry, who Carlton Palmer once dubbed “outstanding” (Leeds United News), to take the next step in his career and the Whites are surely in the running to get a deal done.
“(Barry) trained with us and we are going to make a plan with him, an overall plan,” he said.
“I think he is a very good player who is progressing well. He has been on loan doing fantastic. Now we can have a new plan with him.
“He improved because he was scoring a lot of goals on loan. With us he only trained today and yesterday. Of course we are going to try and get a good plan for the club with him.”
Why Louie Barry would be an ideal signing for Leeds United
Now that Joe Gelhardt has been sent on a six-month loan deal to Hull, Daniel Farke has been left with three strikers at his disposal in Joseph, Piroe and Patrick Bamford.
Of the three, Piroe is likely the most reliable with the German often choosing him to lead the attacking line over his teammates.
However, as has been made clear by his form this season, it still feels far too early for Joseph to be the man Leeds rely upon to bag goals each week and in Bamford’s case, he just seems to be made of glass.
While adding another striker to the mix would overcrowd the number nine ranks within Farke’s squad, it feels like it could be the best move if the Whites want to guarantee themselves promotion.
And, due to the form of Ollie Watkins and Cameron Rogers, there won’t be a place for the youngster to fit in at Villa Park so, the best way to boost his ability would be a loan move to a second-tier side.
If Leeds were to move on their interest and try and sort a loan until the end of the season, it is the sort of deal that could seal them promotion.
In other Leeds news, Daniel Farke has been questioned for a “weird” decision he made on Josuha Guilavogui.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.