AliousSunderland’s January transfer window has hit a lull following the arrival of Enzo Le Fée, leaving uncertainty about who, if anyone, will be the club’s next signing.
So far, Le Fée remains the only new addition, but it seems unlikely that Sunderland’s business is done. The Black Cats are reportedly targeting reinforcements, particularly in attack, as the deadline looms. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is believed to be prioritizing a new striker, with names like Chuba Akpom, Emil Riis, and Matija Frigan all linked in recent days.
However, with just a week remaining in the window, there’s little sign of an imminent deal. While transfers can materialize quickly, there have been no strong indications that Sunderland are close to securing another signing.
### **Louie Barry Slips Through Sunderland’s Fingers**
One player Sunderland had been interested in—Aston Villa’s Louie Barry—now looks set to join Hull City on loan instead.
Barry spent the first half of the season on loan at Stockport County, where he impressed before being recalled by Villa, who intended to send him to a Championship club. Sunderland were among several teams keen on the 21-year-old, but ultimately, Villa have chosen Hull as his next destination.
According to *talkSPORT*’s Alex Crook, Villa manager Unai Emery favored Hull due to his trust in Tigers boss Rubén Sellés, a fellow Spaniard. Emery reportedly believes that Sellés is the right coach to aid Barry’s development, a decision that Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris and his staff may not see eye to eye on.
### **Did Aston Villa Overlook Sunderland as the Ideal Destination?**
There are valid arguments on both sides, but Sunderland had a strong case for being the perfect landing spot for Barry.
The Black Cats currently have the youngest squad in the Championship and sit in fourth place, proving to be a club where young talent can thrive. Recent success stories include Jack Clarke, who earned a big-money move after excelling at Sunderland, while rising stars like Jobe Bellingham continue to develop at the club. Even loanees such as Amad Diallo flourished during their time at the Stadium of Light.
Given Sunderland’s track record, Villa may have missed a trick by not sending Barry to Wearside, where he would have been part of an environment tailored for young players to shine.
That said, Hull City might be viewed as the safer option, offering Barry more guaranteed playing time. At Sunderland, competition for minutes may have been fiercer. Still, it’s likely that Le Bris and his team won’t be entirely satisfied with Villa’s reasoning for sending Barry elsewhere.
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