Godwin ObajeEverton Set to Land Thierno Barry in £35m Deal as Moyes Eyes Marquee Striker Signing
Everton are ready to make a significant move in the transfer market with sources indicating that Villarreal are prepared to accept a £35million bid for striker Thierno Barry.
As reported on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Toffees have been given the green light to pursue the 21-year-old forward, with the club hopeful that the deal can be wrapped up swiftly. David Moyes, back in the Goodison Park hot seat, is pushing for an elite-level striker to lead the line in the 2025–26 Premier League campaign.
“Everton have been told that a £35million offer for Villarreal striker Thierno Barry will be accepted,” O’Rourke stated. “The Merseyside club are preparing to make that bid and believe he is the perfect addition to spearhead their attack.”
Barry, who joined Villarreal from Stade de Reims in 2024, has enjoyed a breakthrough season in La Liga, with his blend of pace, power and clinical finishing catching the attention of several European clubs. But it is Everton who are moving quickest, with Moyes identifying the France U21 international as a central part of his rebuild.
The club’s need for a reliable goalscorer is no secret. Despite a spirited finish to last season, Everton’s lack of cutting edge in the final third was glaring. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s persistent injury problems and Neal Maupay’s inconsistency left the side short of firepower. Moyes wants a new focal point for his attacking unit, and Barry fits the profile: young, dynamic, and already tested in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Sources close to the deal have indicated that negotiations between the clubs have progressed positively, and Villarreal are open to cashing in on the striker to fund their own summer plans. The £35million valuation would make Barry one of Everton’s most expensive signings in recent history, underlining the scale of the club’s ambition as they enter a new era under Moyes.
The manager is believed to be keen on completing his key business early in the window to allow new arrivals to integrate during pre-season. Barry, with his rapid rise and untapped potential, represents both a long-term investment and a player who can make an immediate impact.
Should the move go through as expected, Everton fans can look forward to seeing a fresh, hungry forward capable of leading the line with authority. Barry’s arrival would also ease the burden on Calvert-Lewin, allowing greater flexibility in rotation and tactical setups.
While final details remain to be agreed, the direction of travel is clear: Everton are pushing hard, and with Villarreal willing to sell, a major attacking reinforcement could soon be on its way to Goodison Park.
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