Everton is set to accelerate talks with Villarreal to sign Thierno Barry, a 6ft 4 striker who has been described as “frightening” due to his impressive performances on the pitch. According to Paul Joyce, the Toffees are keen on signing Barry, who has attracted interest from several clubs after his standout performances at the Under-21 European Championships.
Barry’s release clause is worth €40m (£34.2m), but Everton is hoping to negotiate a deal worth less than that. Fabrizio Romano reports that the player is “very keen” on joining Everton, which could give the Toffees an advantage in negotiations.
Everton’s interest in Barry comes as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. The club is in dire need of new attacking options, with Armando Broja, Jesper Lindstrom, and Jack Harrison set to return to their parent clubs after loan deals. Additionally, there’s uncertainty surrounding Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future at the club, as he’s set to leave on a free transfer next week if a new deal isn’t agreed upon.
Barry’s stats for Villarreal are impressive, with 11 goals in 35 appearances. He’s also shown his ability to create chances for his teammates, with 0.7 key passes per game. The striker’s height and physical presence make him a threat in the box, and his ability to score goals could be a valuable asset for Everton.
The Friedkin Group, Everton’s new owners, are keen to make a statement and help David Moyes build a strong squad. Signing Barry would be a significant coup for the club, and fans will be eagerly watching to see if the deal can be finalized. With the player’s desire to join Everton and the club’s determination to sign him, there’s hope that a deal can be reached soon.