It is no secret that Derby County must strengthen their squad with added quality this summer and a ‘fantastic’ talent – currently being eyed by several clubs – can help them achieve that aim.
Derby returned to the Championship last month with a club-record 13 away wins, the fewest goals conceded (37) and the most clean sheets (20).
The Rams’ partnership of Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson inspired a strong base for their promotion challenge which saw them finish second.
READ MORE: Derby County star Eiran Cashin’s journey from almost released to Premier League transfer interest
In the final third, meanwhile, Paul Warne was reliant on the quality of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and the goals of James Collins, but as they make the Championship step up, much more firepower is needed.
Derby scored the joint-fewest goals (78) of sides that finished in the top six last season and it’s a record they must improve upon if they are to survive.
Birmingham City discovered the harsh realities of the Championship as they were cruelly relegated with a total of 50 points, which is why Warne has described this league as the hardest he’s seen in years and why he must pounce at the chance to sign Louie Barry.
Louie Barry’s season at Stockport
Stockport County captured striker Barry on loan from Aston Villa for the season.
Having once spent time at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, many felt a move to a League Two outfit was a fall from grace, but the 20-year-old showed his incredible talent.
Despite suffering an injury that sidelined him for the best part of six months, Barry made a lasting impression at Stockport, scoring for a club-record seven games running at the start of the season, contributing to a total of nine goals in 20 appearances.
The precocious talent – once dubbed ‘incredible’ by Arsenal star Declan Rice – returned for the last four games, produced two assists and is now wanted by the Hatters permanently.
Stockport have shown ambition in recent years but the Rams should rain on it by swooping in for the diminutive attacker.
Why Derby County should hijack a move for Louie Barry
Although ambitious Stockport owner Mark Stott is confident about landing Barry, Derby could use their pull as a Championship club to land the Aston Villa youngster.
Barry became a goalscoring machine last season when fit and his low centre of gravity helped him bamboozle defenders while his pace was a real problem in behind.
Two of the Rams’ biggest problems currently are; a lack of pace and a squad that boasts a high average age.
Given Barry is only 20-years-old, he would bring down the average drastically and he boasts the talent to take the second tier by storm.
Not only that but with Collins approaching his 34th birthday and a real lack of strikers at the club, the youngster would fix that issue.
Barry is perfect for what Derby currently needs; he’s young, has real potential and knows where the back of the net is. Those are three ingredients that the Rams need to add to their attack if they are to stay in the Championship.