Godwin ObajeEverton Open Talks for Villarreal’s Thierno Barry in Bid to Bolster Strikeforce
Everton have opened negotiations with Villarreal over the potential signing of Thierno Barry, as David Moyes begins reshaping his squad ahead of a pivotal season at the club’s new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock.
The French striker, who currently plies his trade in La Liga with the Yellow Submarine, is believed to be Everton’s leading target to lead the line next term, with a move for the France U21 international gathering pace in recent days. The i Paper report that “the club are in talks” with Villarreal over a deal for Barry, who is understood to be “keen” on a switch to Merseyside.
The 21-year-old has a release clause of £40m written into his contract, but Everton are expected to attempt to negotiate a lower fee, as they look to complete what would represent a marquee addition ahead of their move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Barry’s potential arrival would mark a significant upgrade on Everton’s current centre-forward options, with Guinea-Bissau international Beto having struggled to consistently deliver goals since his arrival last summer. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, could be on the way out, with his contract winding down and interest reportedly mounting from Premier League rivals.
Everton’s issues in front of goal were stark last season. Despite stabilising under Moyes following his return to Goodison Park, the Toffees managed just 42 goals in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign – a tally better than only the three relegated sides. According to Understat, they underperformed their expected goals (xG) total of 46.87, highlighting a need for greater efficiency and composure in front of goal.
Barry, described as an “elite” young forward in scouting circles, impressed during his debut campaign in Spanish football. Standing at 6ft 4in, the former Sochaux striker combines a towering physical presence with a deft touch and eye for goal, and he’s viewed internally as the ideal profile to lead the line as Everton begin a new chapter at their state-of-the-art waterfront stadium.
Sources close to the player suggest that the lure of playing Premier League football under Moyes – coupled with the opportunity to be part of Everton’s historic stadium transition – has made the proposal an attractive one for Barry. The club’s ambition to reinvigorate their forward line with youthful dynamism is evident, and the pursuit of Barry underlines a desire to move away from the stopgap solutions of recent years.
While a deal is not yet finalised, talks are expected to continue this week, with Everton hopeful they can secure Barry’s signature ahead of the start of pre-season.
Should the move go through, it would signal a clear intent from the Everton hierarchy – to provide Moyes with the firepower needed to compete, and to ensure the club’s new home is christened with attacking football worthy of the occasion.
Godwin Obaje
