Everton are on the verge of completing a high-profile acquisition as Villarreal forward Thierno Barry, 22, heads to Merseyside for a pre-signing medical. The towering France U21 international, fresh off a prolific 11-goal La Liga season and Champions League qualification with Villarreal, is poised to bolster David Moyes’s attacking arsenal.
/*Background: Why Barry Is the Target*/
Following Dominic Calvert‑Lewin's departure from Everton after nine years and Armando Broja's return to Chelsea, the need for a proven striker is now urgent. Barry's experience in Europe, with 11 goals from 35 La Liga appearances, makes him the perfect candidate. Everton had previously attempted to sign the likes of Liam Delap and Broj, whose transfers broke down. Barry is now the preferred alternative.
Born in Lyon in 2002, Barry developed through French junior levels (Sochaux, Beveren, FC Basel) before joining Villarreal in 2024. His record stands at 11 goals and 4 assists in Spain's Premier Division, playing a major role in Villarreal qualifying for the Champions League.
/*Transfer Details and Timeline*/
Sources such as Fabrizio Romano and Everton-linked sources confirm the transfer is all but done. Barry has traveled from Miami (where he was enjoying a break after the U21 Euros) to Merseyside, prepared for medical tests. Everton reportedly shaved off his €40m release clause and has agreed a base fee of near €32m with add-ons, around £27.5m upfront, with the possibility of reaching €38m (£32m) in total.
Should medicals prove successful, Barry could be Everton's second summer signing following Carlos Alcaraz, and could be announced within days.
/*What Barry Brings*/
Barry is a 1.95m (6'5") giant, with aerial ability coupled with agile playmaking, winning just short of 4 aerial duels per 90 minutes and 1.7 progressive carries in La Liga. He provides physical presence and movement, capable of taking others into play or providing width. Evertonians will be hoping his development becomes a case of following in the footsteps of inspirational players like Romelu Lukaku.
/*Manager and Club Vision*/
With new ownership under The Friedkin Group and manager David Moyes, Everton is rebuilding. Moyes has been looking to add depth to the forward line since Calvert-Lewin's exit. Barry fits the profile of this vision as a young target man who can grow with the team. Defender Jarrad Branthwaite's fresh five-year deal illustrates the club's youth policy.
/*Next Steps*/
Everton fans will be watching anxiously as Barry gets his official evaluation. Assuming everything goes as planned, he will report to pre-season training before the season's opener against Leeds United on July 15.