Moyes Eyes Barry as Everton's Key Summer Signing
Everton are on the verge of completing a £27m deal for Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, with the 22-year-old expected to undergo a medical on Merseyside imminently. While formalities remain, this would mark Everton's most significant summer signing under manager David Moyes.
The French forward, who had a £34.5m release clause at Villarreal, impressed last season with 11 goals and 4 assists in 38 appearances, helping the Spanish club secure Champions League qualification with their highest league finish in 17 years.
Addressing Everton's attacking void
Barry's arrival comes at a crucial time for Everton, who lost both Dominic Calvert-Lewin (contract expiry) and Armando Broja (loan return to Chelsea) this summer. The Lyon-born striker's career trajectory shows remarkable progress:
- 2019-22: French fifth tier with Sochaux
- 2022-23: Belgian second division with Beveren (20 goals in 28 starts)
- 2023-24: Swiss Super League with Basel (club top scorer with 12 goals)
- 2024-25: Breakthrough La Liga season with Villarreal
What Barry brings to Goodison Park
The 6'5" striker offers Everton several key attributes:
Aerial dominance: Barry ranked second among all European forwards for aerial duel success (66.7% of 153 challenges) last season - a perfect fit for Moyes' crossing-heavy approach.
Proven goalscoring: As one of just 23 U23 players to score 10+ goals in Europe's top five leagues last season, Barry joins an elite group including Benjamin Sesko and Bradley Barcola.
Immediate impact potential: His rapid adaptation at Villarreal (11 goals in debut top-flight season) suggests he could quickly address Everton's crossing conversion issues - the Toffees scored just 3 goals from open-play crosses last term (second-worst in Premier League).
This acquisition represents both a statement of intent and a tactical solution for Everton as they look to improve on last season's performance.
