Stockport County Closing in on Stunning Return for Former Loan Star

Stockport Set to Re-Sign Former Loan Hero

Stockport County are close to agreeing a return for Aston Villa winger Louie Barry, continuing a hugely popular loan move with the club that was cut short this time last year in favour of a move to Hull City, as per Jacob Tanswell.

Why do I get the feeling we’ll see Diamond move to Luton for around £1.5m, while Louie Barry signs on loan with a buy option. 🤷‍♂️#StockportCounty pic.twitter.com/nkdUaQniNI

— The Football Rundown SCFC🎙️ (@CountyTFR) February 2, 2026

Barry had been recalled by Villa last month, curtailing an initial season-long loan with Sheffield United after an injury, but is returning to a club with whom he has an fantastic relationship after netting 25 goals in 46 showings for the club, spread across two half-season loan stints.

The 22-year-old winger is currently dealing with a knee injury and will stay on the shelf for another month, but Stockport are reportedly happy to bring him back to the club and aid him in his recovery, believing that the former Barcelona prospect can help the club win promotion from League One in the final weeks of the season.

Barry Closes in on Sensational Stockport Return

The return of Louie Barry will likely be a hugely popular move amongst Stockport fans, no less due to the ill-feeling of his recall back in the January window of 2025.

Amidst a hugely successful League One campaign at the peak of his powers, where he had scored a stunning 15 third-tier goals in just 23 appearances, Barry was brought back by Aston Villa and sent back out to Hull City for a step-up. Heartbreakingly for Barry, who likely had no control of this situation, an injury brought an end to his time at Hull after just four Championship appearances.

Louie Barry is set to rejoin Stockport County on loan. 22yo has been back at #AVFC recovering from a knee injury, but Stockport prepared to help return to fitness and hope he can make an impact in the club's quest for League One promotion. @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/oaZ0Sg0F1R

— Jacob Tanswell (@J_Tanswell) February 2, 2026

He went back into the second tier with promotion-aiming Sheffield United, but a blend of poor form, managerial unrest and injury troubles again limited him to just nine appearances, meaning it has now been over a calendar year since he scored a competitive goal of any means. He was recalled by Villa once more in January to help him through a knee injury - rehab which Stockport are comfortable taking on.

If anyone knows the quality that Louie Barry possesses, it is the hierarchy at Stockport. Signing an injured player doesn't happen often without belief that they can have a great impact on your fortunes, and a Hatters side aiming for the Championship for next season certainly carry that belief as they close in on bringing Barry back to Edgeley Park.