Oxford United rivals sign Aston Villa man on four-year deal

Oxford United‘s rivals have signed Barry on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee as Wednesday look to bolster their squad following relegation from the Championship last season alongside the U’s.

Barry enjoyed three spells on loan at Stockport County in League Two and League One, reaching the League One play-off final last season and winning the League Two title in 2023/24.

He scored 29 goals in 56 total appearances for the Hatters.

The 23-year-old has also spent time on loan in the Championship but to lesser success with Hull City and Sheffield United.

Stockport County’s Louie Barry and Stevenage’s Jasper Pattenden battle off the ball (Image: David Davies/PA Wire)

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Upon joining the Owls, Barry said: “I’m buzzing and I can’t wait to get started – it’s just about finding a home and this is the place I want to be for the next part of my career. 

“It’s now time to settle down and find a home and I think that will come out in my performances as well. I’ve walked into a really warm atmosphere. Getting a good pre-season under my belt is a massive thing to build connections and to get used to the style of play straight away.”

Wednesday also announced the return of club legend Barry Bannan from Millwall and recently signed Oxfordshire-born midfielder Callum Slattery from Motherwell in Scotland as the Sheffield club make strides in the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, Oxford are set to be placed under a temporary transfer ban due to issues relating to League One’s Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP).