Everton are on the verge of securing their new lead striker, with Villarreal’s Thierno Barry expected to arrive on Merseyside soon for a medical ahead of a proposed £27 million transfer. Although the deal is yet to be finalized, negotiations are advancing swiftly, and Barry looks set to become the club’s most expensive signing of the summer.
The 22-year-old forward had a release clause of £34.5 million in his contract with the Spanish side, but Everton are confident they’ll land him for a reduced fee. Barry enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering four assists in 38 appearances. His efforts played a vital role in Villarreal’s fifth-place finish in La Liga, which secured them a Champions League berth.
Barry’s arrival is timely for Everton, who have seen their forward options thin out. Long-serving striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin departed at the end of his contract, while Armando Broja returned to Chelsea following the conclusion of his loan spell without a permanent deal being reached. The addition of Barry will help fill the void left by the duo.
Standing at 6ft 5in, Barry brings a physical presence to the frontline, known for his aerial strength and ability to dominate defenders in the box. His style is expected to complement the Premier League’s physical demands, and his quick rise through European football’s ranks highlights his adaptability and resilience.
Born in Lyon, Barry’s professional journey began in humble surroundings. Just three years ago, he was playing in France’s fifth tier. At 19, he took a significant leap by moving to Belgian second-division side Beveren in July 2022. It was there that he made an immediate impact, scoring 20 goals in 28 starts, a performance that turned heads across Europe.
His prolific form earned him a move to Swiss side FC Basel the following year, where he continued his development. In his debut season in top-flight football, Barry netted 12 goals to finish as Basel’s top scorer, showing he could translate his success to a higher level.
His career trajectory took another sharp turn upward in the summer of 2024 when Villarreal invested £13 million to secure his services. Barry hit the ground running in Spain, scoring eight goals in his first four matches of the 2024-25 season. He went on to finish the campaign with 11 goals, contributing significantly to Villarreal’s strongest league performance in 17 years.
A move to the Premier League at such a young age marks a significant milestone in Barry’s career. Everton view him as a central figure in their attacking rebuild and believe he has the potential to flourish under their setup. With his blend of size, strength, and scoring ability, Barry offers a dynamic option upfront and is expected to provide both immediate impact and long-term value.
As the deal nears completion, Everton fans will be eager to see whether Barry can replicate his European success in England and become the focal point of the club’s new era in attack.
