Everton Eye Ambitious Move for Villarreal Striker Thierno Barry Amid Calvert-Lewin Uncertainty
Everton are actively pursuing Villarreal striker Thierno Barry in a bold attempt to reinforce their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future at Goodison Park hanging in the balance and ongoing fitness concerns surrounding other forwards in the squad, the Toffees are eager to inject fresh firepower into their frontline.
The potential move for Barry is being spearheaded under the new leadership of David Moyes, who recently returned to the Everton dugout. The Scottish manager is preparing for life without Calvert-Lewin, whose contract is due to expire in the coming weeks. The England international has long been the focal point of Everton’s attack, but persistent injuries and contract uncertainty have pushed the club to explore alternative options.
Injury Woes and the Need for Reinforcement
Adding to Everton’s urgency is the concerning fitness record of Youssef Chermiti. The young forward has struggled with injuries since joining the club, limiting his availability and effectiveness. While the club had shown faith in his potential, his absence over large parts of the season has underlined the need for reliable attacking options going forward.
Another factor complicating matters is the return of Armando Broja to Chelsea following the expiration of his loan deal. Broja’s stint at Everton offered glimpses of promise, but with no permanent deal in place, Moyes is now faced with a thinner attacking roster than anticipated.
Thierno Barry Emerges as a Prime Target
According to transfer insider Matteo Moretto, Everton are seriously considering a move for 22-year-old Thierno Barry, who currently plays for Villarreal in La Liga. The striker enjoyed a productive season in Spain’s top flight, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in 35 appearances. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and the Toffees are reportedly willing to pay his release clause, which is set at just over £33 million (€40 million).
Barry has proven himself as a dynamic forward capable of leading the line in a competitive league. Standing at over six feet tall, he combines physicality with technical ability, making him a suitable fit for Premier League football. His age and potential for growth also align with Everton’s long-term vision, particularly under the ownership of The Friedkin Group (TFG), who are eager to make a statement in the transfer market.
Evaluations Underway, But No Decision Final Yet
Moretto reported via X (formerly Twitter) on 7 June that Everton’s interest in Barry is genuine, and internal evaluations are ongoing. The club has not yet reached a final decision, but discussions are believed to be progressing positively. The willingness to meet Barry’s release clause signals serious intent, and Everton appear to be prioritizing the deal in their summer transfer strategy.
Here’s what Moretto posted (translated):
“El Everton va a por Thierno Barry, delantero del Villarreal. El club inglés estaría dispuesto a pagar la cláusula de rescisión de 40 millones de euros. Las evaluaciones están en curso y aún no se ha tomado ninguna decisión definitiva.”
Translation: “Everton are going for Thierno Barry, striker for Villarreal. The English club would be willing to pay the release clause of 40 million euros. Evaluations are ongoing, and no final decision has been made yet.”
David Moyes Needs a Number Nine at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, renamed Hill Dickinson Stadium for commercial purposes, is set to host a new era for the club. David Moyes is keen to ensure his team is competitive from the outset, and securing a reliable goalscorer is central to those plans.
The club had previously expressed interest in Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, but the talented youngster opted to sign for Chelsea instead. That setback has only added pressure on Moyes and the Everton recruitment team, led by Angus Kinnear, to deliver a marquee forward signing.
While striker Beto showed signs of improvement toward the latter part of the previous season, the fanbase remains unconvinced about his ability to consistently deliver goals at the highest level. The club can no longer afford to rely on inconsistent performers, especially if they aim to climb the Premier League table and avoid another relegation scare.
The Friedkin Group’s Role and Expectations
Since taking control, The Friedkin Group have expressed their commitment to revitalizing Everton’s sporting project. Their backing of Moyes in the transfer market will be crucial this summer, and a signing like Barry would underline their ambition to restore Everton’s competitiveness.
The acquisition of Barry would also align with TFG’s approach of targeting young, high-potential talent who can either grow with the club or attract resale value in future windows. It’s a strategy used effectively at other clubs under similar ownership models, and Everton seem to be embracing it under Moyes.
Supporting Cast and Midfield Depth
With Abdoulaye Doucouré departing the club, Everton’s midfield remains in a transitional phase. However, Moyes is believed to be satisfied with the current depth, especially with players like Iliman Ndiaye stepping up and Dwight McNeil expected to return from injury.
Ndiaye’s creativity and work rate have made him a valuable asset, while McNeil’s crossing ability and long-range shooting could complement a forward like Barry. The potential link-up play between Barry and Everton’s wide players could form the backbone of Moyes’ new tactical setup.
Conclusion: Is Thierno Barry the Right Man?
While no final decision has been made, Thierno Barry appears to be at the top of Everton’s shortlist. The 22-year-old has the profile, talent, and pedigree to thrive in the Premier League, and a move to Merseyside could be the next big step in his career.
For Everton, this transfer could mark a turning point — a chance to finally resolve their striker issues and provide Moyes with the tools he needs to build a competitive squad. The coming weeks will be crucial, but if all goes to plan, Everton fans may soon see a new number nine leading the line at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.