Hull’s transfer embargo opens door for Celtic to snap up Rodgers target Louie Barry

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The Celtic Star

·6 juillet 2025

Hull’s transfer embargo opens door for Celtic to snap up Rodgers target Louie Barry

In a twist that could open the door for Celtic, Hull City have been slapped with a three-window transfer embargo, a move that will bar the English Championship side from paying transfer fees until at least January 2027.

Louie Barry of Stockport County looks on during the Sky Bet League One match between Stockport County and Wrexham at Edgeley Park on November 16, 2024 in Stockport. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

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The EFL informed the club on Thursday afternoon, with the embargo officially kicking in from Friday, 4 July 2025. And while that spells trouble for the Tigers, it could present a timely opportunity for Brendan Rodgers and Celtic to swoop in on a long-standing target — Louie Barry.

Barry, the talented young forward from Aston Villa, spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull and impressed enough during his stint that Hull City had reportedly agreed a £3.5 million permanent deal with Villa prior to the embargo.

The Athletic reported at the start of last week that a move had been agreed for Barry to join Hull for £3.5million, with Villa inserting a substantial sell-on clause in the fee ‘that sources with knowledge of the arrangement indicate is worth 50 per cent.’

Louie Barry of Aston Villa during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Walsall and Aston Villa at Poundland Bescot Stadium on July 17, 2024 in Walsall. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

That deal now appears to be dead in the water, and Celtic — who had been previously linked with a loan-to-buy move for Barry — could now revisit their interest under far more favourable circumstances, although such a hefty sell on percentage may not be to Celtic’s taste.

The former England youth international fits the Brendan Rodgers mould to a tee. He’s quick, technically assured, and — crucially for Celtic — he’s versatile. Barry can play across the front three, offering cover and competition in any of the attacking roles. With a Champions League campaign looming, squad depth in quality is not a luxury, it arguably a necessity.

Celtic have never been shy about dipping into the English market, particularly when value is to be found, and at £3.5 million — or possibly even less, given Villa’s desire to move him on — Barry would fall well within the club’s usual financial framework.

There’s also the Rodgers factor. The Celtic boss has never hidden his admiration for players with Premier League pedigrees who might not be getting the minutes they need down south. Barry ticks all those boxes and more — a product of West Brom’s academy before a high-profile move to Barcelona, followed by a return to England with Villa. He’s still only 22 and very much a player with his best years ahead.

Louie Barry of Aston Villa reacts after the Pre-Season Friendly match between Spartak Trnava and Aston Villa at Anton Malatinsky Stadium on July 20, 2024 in Trnava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

Hull’s misfortune may just be Celtic’s gain. With the English side unable to complete a permanent move, and with Barry seemingly surplus to requirements at Villa Park, the Hoops have a clear run — should they choose to take it.

There has been some speculation that Middlesboro and Sheffield United may hold an interest in Barry, but that seems to be from ex-players of both clubs rather than firm interest. This might be one to watch as the transfer window unfolds, if indeed Brendan’s interest from last year remains.

Niall J

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