Deal Agreed: Everton Set to Drop Midfield Bombshell in Stunning Summer Twist

Everton’s Summer Rebuild Set to Intensify After £27m Barry Deal

Everton’s summer transfer window is beginning to take shape following the high-profile arrival of Thierno Barry — and all signs suggest midfield reinforcements could be next on David Moyes’ agenda.

The 21-year-old forward, who completed his £27 million move from Villarreal this week, checked in at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday. Barry, a France Under-21 international, arrives with significant promise and is expected to play a key role in Moyes’ attacking rebuild.

Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Moyes expressed his excitement over the signing, saying:
“We are delighted to have brought Thierno to the club. We see lots of potential and we are hoping for good things from him. We will give him plenty of time to settle in and we are looking forward to getting started working with him as soon as possible. I’m hoping to make more additions in the coming weeks.”

The Toffees have already tied down key names this summer. Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite committed to a new long-term contract, resisting interest from Champions League clubs. Club captain Seamus Coleman signed on for another year, while experienced defenders Michael Keane and Idrissa Gueye have also penned extensions — Gueye’s including an option for a further 12 months.

While the squad has benefited from a number of contract renewals and the permanent signing of Carlos Alcaraz, Moyes is believed to be targeting fresh options in central midfield following Abdoulaye Doucoure’s departure. With Gueye turning 36 in September, a long-term replacement in the engine room appears a logical priority.

According to multiple reports, the club has shown interest in Aston Villa’s John McGinn, though Unai Emery is reportedly unwilling to sanction the midfielder’s exit. Additionally, Brazilian international Douglas Luiz, now at Juventus, is another name linked — albeit his recent injury setbacks may complicate any potential move.

A more realistic midfield target could be Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney. The 23-year-old impressed at the European Under-21 Championship with England and has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Everton.

Elsewhere, right-back remains a position of concern after Everton failed to land Kenny Tete on a free transfer before he committed to a new deal with Fulham. The club is also expected to bring in another goalkeeper to provide backup for Jordan Pickford, as well as cover at left-back.

Everton’s lack of a natural right-winger continues to frustrate some fans, and the position may yet be addressed before the window closes. However, the club’s current focus appears to be strengthening the core of the midfield, and with the market still in full swing, supporters can expect further movement in the coming weeks.

With the Premier League season approaching, Moyes will be keen to finalise his squad swiftly as Everton look to build momentum under the new ownership of the Friedkin Group. One thing is clear: the rebuild is far from over.