Soccer Football - LaLiga - Villarreal v FC Barcelona - Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal, Spain - September 22, 2024 Villarreal's Thierno Barry in action with FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi REUTERS/Pablo Morano
Everton have opened negotiations with La Liga side Villareal for the signing of young striker Thierno Barry according to ESPN. Barry was one of La Liga’s breakout stars last season, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in 35 league matches as Villareal earned a Champions League spot.
The player has a €40 million release clause, which Everton have not ruled out paying if they cannot strike a deal with Villareal. Everton are looking to add firepower ahead of their much anticipated move to their new Hill Dickinson stadium.
With over 15 players out of contract this summer, Everton will have their work cut out for them in reshaping their squad. One of those players is long time goal scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin who has yet to agree a new deal with the club.
First choice striker Beto is attracting interest from a host of clubs and could leave for the right price, so the Toffees will look to add attacking reinforcements.
Toffees chasing Barry
Barry is the man on David Moyes’ radar. The 22-year-old French striker has become one of Villareal’s standout performers.
Barry joined Villarreal just last year on a five-year deal from Swiss club Basel for a fee of around €13.5m plus variables, and has quickly became a regular starter for manager Marcelino Garcia.
The 6’5 powerhouse has drawn comparisons to potential teammate Beto for his physical size and strength, and is widely lauded for his technical ability. He possesses great speed and agility for a player of his size and is tipped to become one of the biggest names in Europe.
West Ham and Crystal Palace are also reportedly interested in the player, while Villareal boss Garcia has admitted the player could leave this summer.
Speaking to Futbol Fantasy, Garcia said he “accepts” if the right condition are met for a deal.
“I don’t know what the situation is with Barry,” he said. “If his departure is close; the last information I had wasn’t as likely to happen. But anyway, if that happens, just like with Álex (Baena), we’ll have to find a solution.”
“He’s a young player, who wasn’t well-known here, but who has gone from strength to strength, who has contributed a lot to us, both in terms of numbers and in terms of what he means to our team and what he affects our opponents.”
“Well, three parts again. And that’s it, right? If Villarreal believes that, with the investment they’ve made and what they can receive in just one year, plus the performance they’ve given, that the deal should be carried out, and also if the player himself wants to look for a new destination, then we accept it and we’ll look for solutions so that the team doesn’t weaken.”
Barry is currently at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where he has helped France reach the semifinals.
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