Transfer embargo enforced after Aston Villa non-payment which throws striker move into doubt

Championship outfit Hull City have been hit by a three-window transfer embargo because they didn't pay Aston Villa the £1m loan fee to borrow Louie Barry in the January transfer window earlier this year.

Barry joined the Tigers in January as they fought against relegation to League One - a fate they managed to avoid on the final day of the season - but Barry only managed four appearances before being struck down with a season-ending injury in the win at Sunderland in February.

The young striker, who had spent the first half of last season at League One Stockport County where he topped the division's goalscorer rankings with 16 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions, was redistributed in January and handed the opportunity to try his hand in the Championship for the first time after Villa agreed a deal with Hull.

Now, though, it has emerged from HullLive that the £1m proposed loan fee was a sum which Villa never received and, as a result, the EFL have imposed a transfer embargo on City which means they can't spend money on transfer fees for the next three windows - the next occasion they'll be permitted to spend will be in January 2027.

Hull have been asked to explain the non-payment by the EFL but in the meantime they won't be allowed to conduct business for permanent signings in this ongoing summer window, meaning they join rivals Sheffield Wednesday in being forbidden from conducting business involving fees.

The Tigers were keen on bringing back Barry on a permanent basis this summer, and their owner Acun Ilicali - who has a positive working relationship with Villa owner Nassef Sawiris - recently revealed that a deal was close regarding a permanent deal for the young forward.

"The Louie Barry deal can only be done and finished if it's in the best interest of the club," he told HullLive. "I like Louie Barry; he likes us. 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."

HullLive did add that the first instalment of the loan fee has been paid and that there is an agreement in place with Villa which involves the Championship club paying the remainder of their debt over an extended period, but there remain concerns from national and local suppliers about the club's finances and payments.

What should Villa do in the summer window? Have your say HERE

Snap up limited edition Aston Villa branded Ozzy Osbourne merchandise

When Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath take to the stage this weekend they will be rightly hailed as the pioneers of heavy metal - and will do so at the home of their beloved Aston Villa.

To celebrate that link with the rockers and the club - a series of brilliant, unique souvenir merchandise is now available.

All of the designs combine retro designs, the Villa colours, and a homage to Ozzy Osbourne and with only a limited amount available - you will need to act fast to get your hands on yours!

• There is, for example, a stunning retro Ozzy Osbourne home shirt which you can get your hands on here.
• If you want a scarf for the gig or for match days - there is a brilliant Ozzy scarf decked out in retro design and club colours - buy yours now by clicking here
• Another superb design right out the 70s is this tracksuit top with Ozzy's name and the club's branding on. Buy yours here!

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