Louie Barry

Louie Barry is a versatile forward who joined Sheffield Wednesday from Aston Villa on a permanent transfer in July 2026.

Born in Sutton Coldfield, Barry began playing football with local side Sutton United before joining the West Bromwich Albion academy at the age of six. He spent ten years with the Baggies and progressed rapidly through their youth system, featuring above his age group and attracting interest from several leading European clubs.

In July 2019, Barry left West Brom to join Barcelona. He spent the 2019/20 season within the Spanish club’s renowned La Masia academy and scored on his first start for their under-19 side in a 6–0 victory over Ebro.

Barry returned to England in January 2020 when he signed for boyhood club Aston Villa. He gained widespread attention in January 2021 after starting an FA Cup tie against Liverpool and scoring Villa’s equalising goal in a 4–1 defeat. His composed finish was subsequently voted the BBC’s Goal of the FA Cup third round.

Later that season, Barry helped Aston Villa win the FA Youth Cup, starting the final as Villa defeated Liverpool 2–1.

He gained his first sustained experience of senior league football through loan spells with Ipswich Town, Swindon Town, Milton Keynes Dons and Salford City. Barry scored six goals for Swindon during the second half of the 2021/22 season and helped the club reach the League Two play-offs.

His most productive period came during two loan spells with Stockport County. Barry scored nine league goals during the 2023/24 campaign as Stockport won the League Two title, despite missing several months through injury.

He returned to Edgeley Park for the 2024/25 season and scored 15 goals in 23 League One appearances before being recalled by Aston Villa in January 2025. His performances earned him two League One Player of the Month awards and a second EFL Young Player of the Month prize.

Barry spent the remainder of the season on loan at Hull City before joining Sheffield United for the first half of the 2025/26 campaign. After returning to Villa in January, he rejoined Stockport and scored three league goals as the Hatters reached the League One play-off final.

On 9 July 2026, Barry completed a permanent move to Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee. He signed a four-year contract, with the Owls holding an option for an additional season.

At international level, Barry represented both England and the Republic of Ireland at youth level. He played for England from under-15 through to under-18 level and was part of the under-17 side that won the 2019 Syrenka Cup. In 2025, Barry declared his intention to represent the Republic of Ireland at senior level.