Exclusive: What Lee Hendrie thinks will happen with Louie Barry at Aston Villa next season | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie spoke exclusively to Football League World about the future of Aston Villa's Louie Barry, who is currently on loan at Hull City

The 2024/25 campaign has been a complete mixed bag for Aston Villa forward Louie Barry, who now faces an uncertain future heading into 25/26.

The winger rejoined Stockport County on loan following a productive, though injury-disrupted, stay in the previous campaign and once again proved a huge hit at Edgley Park.

Barry scored 15 goals from just 23 appearances during the first-half of the current League One season before being recalled by Villa, who were keen to test him at a higher level amid interest from a flurry of Championship clubs.

The likes of Sunderland, Leeds United, Sheffield United, Burnley and even Derby County were all linked to Barry, but Hull City ended up winning the race by sealing a deal to bring the highly-rated attacker to the MKM Stadium until the end of the season, paying a reported £1 million loan fee.

However, the 21-year-old's time with the Tigers has been something of a disaster. He suffered a serious knee injury in just his fourth appearance for Hull - a 1-0 victory at Sunderland on February 22 - and has not featured since, returning to the West Midlands to undergo rehabilitation.

There is hope that Barry could feature before the season is up, but that prospect is becoming less and less likely as we edge ever closer to the campaign's conclusion.

Lee Hendrie reveals Aston Villa, Louie Barry transfer prediction for 25/26

It will be interesting to see just what lies ahead for Barry in the coming months. The ex-West Bromwich Albion and Barcelona academy prospect penned a new contract, undisclosed in length, at Villa Park just before heading up to Hull, and there is clearly a long-term plan for him under Unai Emery.

However, a second loan move to the Championship may be the next port of call given that his stint at Hull is, through no fault of his own, yet to take off, and it could be to a more competitive club as opposed to another relegation-threatened outfit like the Tigers.

That's what has been predicted by Sky Sports pundit and former Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie, who spoke exclusively to Football League World about Barry's future.

"Obviously he's been out on a number of loans, and then signed a new deal," Hendrie told FLW.

"He went to Hull but it didn't work out injury-wise, I think he will be in the EFL next season. I think it's going to be a Championship side that will suit his capabilities, because that's what really worked for him going to Stockport.

"Hull probably would've worked for him as well, but you'd expect one of the top clubs in the Championship to try and make sure they get him on a loan deal. I'm sure it'll be down to whether Villa want to keep or sell, but he would be a good fit for someone."

Louie Barry's stock should still be intact amid Hull City frustrations

Barry's stock was at an all-time high during the month of January, which saw unrelenting speculation surround his future off the back of white-hot form at Stockport.

Considering that he was available having displayed such rich goalscoring form, it was no surprise to see so many clubs interested in his services. It may not be quite the same this summer, as Barry has played limited minutes and the momentum from his Stockport stint was swiftly halted, but he should still be the subject of significant loan interest.

Barry is a superb talent who has all the capabilities to step up and deliver the goods at Championship level. His versatility, electric speed and ability to score all kinds of goals should make him an attractive proposition this summer, and one would indeed expect interest from a host of clubs looking to enlist themselves in the promotion frame.