“Iconic Shirt Number Revealed” – Thierno Barry Set to Take Everton’s Iconic Shirt Number as £34m Switch Sealed

Thierno Barry Set to Take Everton’s Iconic Number Nine Shirt as Villarreal Striker Closes in on £34m Switch

Everton appear to be closing in on their first major summer signing, with Villarreal striker Thierno Barry reportedly on the verge of a £34 million move to Goodison Park. The France Under-21 international, who turned 22 last October, is expected to lead the line for David Moyes’ side as they prepare for a fresh start under the Friedkin Group’s ownership.

Barry’s name has been circulating on Merseyside for weeks, with speculation mounting after the Toffees ramped up their pursuit following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s exit. Calvert-Lewin, who recently announced his departure after nine years at the club, leaves behind the coveted number nine shirt — a vacancy many believe Barry is set to fill.

“The number nine shirt at Everton has a certain weight to it,” an insider at Finch Farm admitted this week. “There’s an expectancy that Barry will be handed it. He wore it at Basel, he wants it again.”

Barry’s scoring exploits certainly back up the decision. The striker began the 2024/25 campaign at Swiss side Basel, firing in eight goals in just four matches before Villarreal snapped him up for around £13 million. In Spain, he hit the ground running, scoring 11 goals and registering four assists in 25 La Liga starts — a solid return for a player adapting to a top-five European league.

According to FBref data, Barry’s playing style has drawn comparisons with Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. Like both forwards, Barry thrives on quick transitions and clever movement inside the box, qualities that have impressed Moyes.

“Barry is hot property,” one source close to the deal said. “West Ham were keen, but it’s Everton who are poised to land his signature. He’s expected to feature in the first pre-season friendly against Accrington Stanley on July 15.”

The move will be seen as a statement of intent from the Friedkin Group, who have wasted little time backing Moyes to reshape a squad that struggled for consistency last season. With Calvert-Lewin gone and loanee Tajon Buchanan also returning to Inter Milan, the attacking line has been left thin — adding urgency to the deal.

Barry’s preferred shirt number has reportedly been made available after recent developments at Finch Farm. “Barry did wear the nine during his two seasons at Basel, so clearly that’d be his preference at the Hill Dickinson Stadium,” one club source noted. Buchanan’s loan exit frees up the number, paving the way for the Frenchman to make it his own.

Everton fans will be hoping Barry’s arrival signals a turning point. After netting 19 goals last season across two clubs, there’s a growing belief that he can help ignite Moyes’ front line and ease the burden on Dwight McNeil, who remains a key figure in the Toffees’ plans.

There’s no official word yet on when Barry will be unveiled, but all signs point to an announcement before the pre-season opener. One thing is certain — in giving Barry the iconic number nine shirt, Everton are banking on him becoming the focal point of their attack for years to come.