Louie Barry left frustrated as Sheffield United winger makes decision on international future

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Louie Barry would have been hoping for a much better start to life at Sheffield United, with his side rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.

Having come close to joining Hull City on a permanent deal earlier in the summer, the 22-year-old reunited with Ruben Selles in South Yorkshire, as the Tigers’ transfer fee ban blocked the move from being completed.

Barry has played in all three of the Blades’ opening league games, but he is yet to register a goal or an assist, with his side scoring just once in the Championship so far in 2025/26.

However, with the winger already becoming an important cog in this Sheffield United team, he has made a decision on his international future, but there is a frustrating twist.

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Louie Barry chooses the Republic of Ireland over England

Barry has played for both England and the Republic of Ireland at youth level, playing for the former on 23 different occasions for the U18s, U17s, U16s and U15s. However, he has also made one appearance in green, coming back in 2018.

Now, with his future in his own hands, the Sheffield United star has decided that the Republic of Ireland will be the nation of his choice with familial links to the country.

This was confirmed by Heimir Hallgrimsson, the head coach of the team ranked 60th in the world right now, as per Balls.ie.

However, Barry has not made the 23-player squad for Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Armenia next weekend, as the EFL pauses for the first international break of the 2025/26 campaign.

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Other players to have crossed the England – Republic of Ireland divide

The former Stockport County loanee is not the only player to have made the switch from England to the Republic of Ireland, or vice versa.

Declan Rice came through the ranks for The Boys in Green, and he even collected three caps at senior level. However, he reversed his decision in 2019 and pledged his allegiance to the Three Lions and has since made 66 appearances for the back-to-back Euros runners-up.

Similarly, Jack Grealish spent time with Ireland’s youth teams, playing for the U21s, U18s and U17s. But, in 2016 he turned out for England U21s and has become a vital member of the senior side in the last five years, earning 39 caps.

Barry will be hoping to make himself a hero for his country in the coming years, although he may just have to wait to make his debut.