Everton Near £27m Deal for Villarreal Striker Thierno Barry

Everton are on the verge of securing the signing of Villarreal forward Thierno Barry, with the 22-year-old expected to arrive on Merseyside soon for a medical ahead of a proposed £27 million transfer.

While final details are still being ironed out, the deal is advancing steadily and is set to become Everton’s most significant signing of the summer. Manager David Moyes is keen to bolster his attacking options following a number of recent departures.

Barry, who netted 11 goals and registered four assists across 38 appearances last season, played a key role in Villarreal’s fifth-place finish in La Liga, which secured Champions League qualification. Despite having a £34.5 million release clause in his contract, Everton are confident of completing the move for a reduced fee.

His arrival comes at a crucial time for the Toffees, who saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin depart following the expiration of his contract. Armando Broja has also returned to Chelsea after his loan spell ended without a permanent agreement.

Born in Lyon, Barry began his professional journey with French side Sochaux before moving to Belgian second-tier club Beveren at the age of 19. A season later, he signed for Swiss outfit Basel, and then joined Villarreal in August 2024 for around £13 million.