Louie Barry’s move to Hull City hangs in the balance amid discussions over the overall financial package.
City have agreed a fee in the region of £3.5m to sign the 22-year-old playmaker from Aston Villa, but the size of the overall financial package makes the deal difficult at this stage.
Villa have inserted a significant sell on clause into the deal, though there is no buy-back agreement as was the case with Jaden Philogene’s move two years ago. The Tigers remain locked in discussions with Villa and Barry’s representatives in a bid to thrash out the terms of the deal, which would see the former Barcelona youngster sign a long-term contract at the MKM Stadium.
As things stand, the deal could yet happen and owner Acun Ilicali continues to talk to Villa owner Nassef Sawiris and Monchi, the Premier League club’s president of football operations.
It’s understood the highly-rated playmaker is keen to make the move to City, having endured a nightmare spell in East Yorkshire in the second half of the season where he was struck down by a knee injury early on in the crucial win at Sunderland in what was his fourth outing.
City owner Ilicali, speaking during Monday’s press conference to introduce Sergej Jakirovic, said he would only do deals that are right for the club.
“I like Louie Barry; he likes us,” said Ilicali. “We had a good conversation with him three days ago. I’m personally involved in this transfer because of my relationship with Monchi (head of football operations at Villa) and Mr Sawiris (Villa owner).
“At the end of the day, Aston Villa’s and our benefits have to match somewhere to make both clubs happy. Transfers shouldn’t be like ‘I’m going to get this boy whatever (is the cost)’. First, you have to make everything benefit the club. Of course, Aston Villa have to be happy so that they can give us their player.
“We are somewhere, but I wouldn’t say it’s done until the last minute because I have experience in England, in Turkey, I don’t have the experience, but even the medical check is dangerous.
“From now on, we’re going to make medical checks in secret places without any information, because you think that the transfer is done, then you see the same boy wearing a different shirt two weeks later. Let’s be patient. Louie Barry is one of the first targets.”
Should the Barry deal completely fall through, the Tigers are understood to have other options they are actively pursuing. A deal for Oscar Zambrano continues to progress and could be completed in the coming days, while the wait goes on for Oli McBurnie, though the club remain hopeful of getting that completed.
They’re also in talks with a left-back, midfielder and striker over moves to the MKM Stadium with a desire to get those deals completed before the first team fly to Turkey for their pre-season training camp on Sunday week.
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