Middlesbrough have been backed to capitalise on Hull City’s current difficulties by making a move for Aston Villa forward.
Hull are currently under a transfer embargo after failing to pay a £1 million loan fee to Villa for Barry’s services last season. The EFL has imposed the sanction, which will span three transfer windows, due to the missed payment. The development has sent ripples across the Championship, with Hull planning to appeal the decision. Sources close to the club remain optimistic about overturning the ruling, but for now, Barry’s future remains uncertain.
Barry was set to make a permanent £3.5 million switch to Hull, with Villa including a 50 percent sell-on clause. The 22-year-old had joined Hull on loan midway through last season, though an injury cut short his involvement after just four games.
Given the embargo and Hull’s financial constraints, the deal now appears off the table. Even if the ban is lifted, limitations on transfer spending may still prevent Hull from completing the move.
Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes several Championship clubs could now step in for Barry. Alongside Middlesbrough, he suggested that West Brom and Birmingham City might also enter the race.
Speaking to Football League World, Hendrie said: “This Hull deal may have collapsed due to wage demands or the transfer fee, and that’s an issue many Championship clubs face. If anyone is to swoop in, it’ll likely be one of the division’s stronger sides — Middlesbrough would be a prime candidate.”
Leave a Reply