DONE DEAL – Everton Seals Deal for Top Target as French Media Confirms EXIT of Player from His Club to Everton After Rumours of His Transfer Going Viral Already

Everton Confident of Thierno Barry Deal as Villarreal Striker Emerges as Top Target

Everton are growing increasingly confident of landing Villarreal striker Thierno Barry as David Moyes steps up his efforts to bolster the club’s attacking firepower ahead of the new Premier League season.

According to respected French transfer journalist Santi Aouna, the Merseyside club are hopeful of securing a deal for the 22-year-old “in the next days”, with Barry emerging as a key target after an outstanding campaign in La Liga.

Barry enjoyed a breakout season with Villarreal, netting 19 goals and registering four assists across all competitions. His form helped the Yellow Submarine secure a return to the UEFA Champions League for a record 17th time, and his performances have not gone unnoticed across Europe.

Everton, who are preparing for life at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, have reportedly made the French U21 international their primary forward target. Aouna reports that the club’s initial offer has been rejected, but they remain in active discussions with Villarreal as they attempt to negotiate a fee below the player’s £34 million release clause.

Writing for Foot Mercato, Aouna noted:

“Everton are confident of completing the transfer of Thierno Barry in the next days. The Toffees are pushing to secure a favourable deal despite having an initial offer turned down.”

Barry is understood to be open to a move to Goodison Park, with the promise of Premier League football and a leading role in Moyes’ evolving side a key part of the pitch.

Moyes has made no secret of the need to improve Everton’s attacking efficiency after a dismal return of just 42 goals in 38 games last season—only three clubs scored fewer, all of whom were relegated.

Despite having multiple centre-forward options last term—including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Beto, Youssef Chermiti, and January loan signing Armando Broja—Everton lacked consistency and cutting edge in front of goal. Beto showed signs of improvement late in the campaign under Moyes, but the need for a prolific, all-round striker remains pressing.

Barry, standing at 6ft 4in, combines physical strength and aerial prowess with quick feet, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing—making him a strong tactical fit for Moyes’ direct and disciplined system. He also offers impressive link-up and hold-up play, qualities that could help bring the best out of Everton’s wide players and attacking midfielders.

Should Everton complete the deal, Barry is expected to be a strong contender for a starting role and could quickly establish himself as the club’s first-choice striker.

The Toffees’ interest comes at a time of renewed optimism around the blue half of Merseyside. With Moyes back at the helm and a significant rebuild underway, Barry could become a marquee signing symbolising the club’s ambition to re-establish themselves as a competitive Premier League force.

Negotiations remain ongoing, but Everton’s belief in securing a deal is growing by the day.