Everton will reportedly sign 22-year-old French striker Thierno Barry from La Liga club Villarreal in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Thierno Barry is the subject of interest from Everton. The Toffees are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a striker in the summer transfer window after parting ways with Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a free agent. So, the 22-year-old Villarreal attacker has been a target for the Merseyside outfit.
The Toffees has secured an agreement in principle to sign the Frenchman from Villarreal in a deal worth €38 million. Everton will fork out an initial fee of €32 million, with the remaining being add-ons. Meanwhile, a report by AS, as relayed by Sport Witness, has claimed that the official announcement is close and that the “deal is pending validation due to bureaucratic issues”.
The Thierno Barry story
Thierno Barry has established himself as one of the best young prospects in La Liga since joining Villarreal from FC Basel in August 2024. The Lyon native has come leaps and bounds in the last 12 months, landing on his feet after moving to Estadio de la Ceramica.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a productive 2024/25 campaign, contributing to 23 goals in 41 outings across all competitions in appearances for FC Basel and Villarreal. Barry found the back of the net 19 times while providing four assists. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has piqued the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Everton.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Aston Villa’s interest in Thierno Barry is understandable. The Villans are scouring the market for a striker this summer after failing to complete a permanent move for Marcus Rashford. In addition, Ollie Watkins faces an uncertain future at Villa Park amid his emerging links with Manchester United.
As for Everton, Dominic Calvert has left the Merseyside club as a free agent, with Beto the only recognised striker in the first-team squad. So, the Toffees have been keen on signing a striker in the summer transfer window, with Barry emerging as a viable target. Everton and Villarreal have now struck an agreement in principle over a deal worth €38 million. Everton will fork out an initial fee of €32 million to land the Frenchman, with the remaining being add-ons.
Personal terms were never an issue for the 22-year-old French striker, and he is on the verge of joining Everton. As for Aston Villa, the West Midlands outfit must look elsewhere for a striker, with Barry closing in on moving to Everton on a package worth €38 million.
