Aston Villa have announced that Louie Barry has joined MK Dons on a season-long loan deal.
The 19-year-old was loaned out twice last season, with his spell with Swindon Town in the second half of the campaign proving to be more successful than his earlier stint at Ipswich Town.
READ MORE: Who is Ludwig Augustinsson? Analysis of incoming Aston Villa signing
With competition for places still fierce at Villa in the attacking roles and with time on his side given his young age, a loan move for the upcoming year is the sensible decision from the club and for the player, as they confirmed in a statement that Barry has now joined MK Dons for the season.
Ultimately, it’s now hoped that he is able to secure regular playing time, ideally in a prominent role, and that in turn allows him to gain valuable experience to help develop his game and return to Villa next summer a better player.
His objective, and the hope of the club no doubt, will be to eventually break into Steven Gerrard’s plans and the senior squad, and so this is going to be a key step on that path as if he impresses, the Villa boss will undoubtedly take note and potentially adjust his plans for next season accordingly.
For now though, Barry will be looking forward to an opportunity to showcase his talent on a more regular basis, and while Villa have top level options in that department for now, they will hope that Barry can add to those options in the not too distant future.
