The Hastings born utility man has been the subject of a proposed £18m move to Premier League rivals Liverpool throughout the summer, and has reportedly almost completed the move several times. He was continually booed by Villa fans throughout the club’s pre-season friendlies, adding to the speculation a move could be imminent.
However, in a dramatic turn around, it would appear that Barry is staying with The Villains after the player travelled out to Iceland with the team and announcing that he was ‘ready, willing and able’ to play, to the delight of his manager.
Speaking to the club’s website, Villa boss Martin O’Neil revealed that the future of Barry was still in the balance, but was pleased by his enthusiasm and willingness to play for Villa, saying, “Last week I think he felt that the Liverpool move was going to take place. Now we don't know what's happening, so don't think anybody's in any sort of triumphalist mood. But he wants to play and that's exceptionally good news.
"Our particular stance has never changed. He's a class player and they're hard to come by. We would prefer him to be playing for Aston Villa than playing against us."
Barry has been at the club since 1997 when he joined the club as a trainee, and has since made 327 appearances for the club, scoring 36 times, as well as being made club captain, but time will tell whether he remains at the club for much longer, with the incentive of Champions League football with Liverpool for the coming season.
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