Everton are on the verge of securing a significant signing in their quest to bolster their attacking options, with reports indicating they are closing in on a deal to sign Villarreal's promising striker Thierno Barry for approximately £27m. According to The Guardian, the Toffees are in advanced negotiations with the La Liga club to finalize the transfer, which would see them secure the 22-year-old France Under-21 international at a fee below his £34.6m release clause.
The move comes as Everton look to fill the void left by the departure of long-serving striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who left the club as a free agent upon the expiry of his contract this summer. With manager David Moyes overseeing a major squad overhaul, the acquisition of Barry signals an intent to rejuvenate the team’s attacking identity as they prepare for their inaugural season at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
A Rising Star with a Proven Track Record
Thierno Barry, born in Lyon, has emerged as one of La Liga’s brightest young prospects since joining Villarreal from Swiss club Basel in August 2024 for around £13m. Standing at an imposing 6ft 5in, Barry combines physical presence with technical ability, making him a versatile and dynamic forward. His breakout 2024/25 season saw him score 11 goals and provide four assists in 38 La Liga appearances, playing a pivotal role in Villarreal’s fifth-place finish and their qualification for the Champions League. His early-season form, which included a remarkable eight goals in his first four matches, convinced Villarreal to invest in his potential, and his instant impact helped the Yellow Submarine achieve their highest points tally in 17 years.
🇫🇷Let’s take a closer look at Thierno Barry 🔍 pic.twitter.com/tRDdWFkXzO
— 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 (@EvertonNewsFeed) July 2, 2025
Barry’s journey to prominence has been unconventional. After leaving French club Sochaux at 19, he honed his craft in Belgium’s second division with Beveren before moving to Basel. His rapid rise through the ranks culminated in a standout campaign in Spain, where his intelligent runs, aerial dominance, and ability to link play in wide areas caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa. However, Everton have stolen a march on their rivals, with negotiations progressing swiftly after personal terms were agreed with the player.
A Strategic Signing for Everton
Everton’s pursuit of Barry reflects their determination to address their attacking shortcomings following a challenging period marked by Calvert-Lewin’s injury struggles and inconsistent goal-scoring output. With only Beto remaining as a recognised senior striker in the squad, Moyes has prioritized reinforcing the forward line, and Barry’s profile aligns perfectly with his vision for a robust yet dynamic attack. Described as a “frightening” talent with “silky skills,” Barry’s ability to attack crosses, create space, and contribute both goals and assists makes him a multifaceted addition to the Everton squad.
The reported £27m fee, with an initial payment of €32m and potential add-ons, represents a shrewd piece of business for Everton, who have negotiated below Barry’s £34.6m release clause. This financial prudence is particularly significant given the club’s recent history of navigating financial restrictions. The deal is reportedly in its final stages, with Barry currently on holiday in Miami awaiting formal confirmation, and an official announcement could be imminent pending bureaucratic validations.
