With transfer season alive and kicking, Everton have made their first new signing of the summer (so not including the on loan Carlos Alcaraz), with the acquisition of Thierno Barry from La Liga side Villarreal.
Although Everton themselves stated the fee as undisclosed, sources suggest that the fee is around £27.5m plus bonuses. The striker has signed a four year contract at the Merseyside club.
It was only 11 months ago where Barry joined Villarreal from Basel, after scoring five goals in just three games at the start of the 24/25 Swiss Super League season. That fee was for around £11.6m pounds, so the Spanish side have made a healthy profit.
During his one and only campaign in Spain, the striker scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 35 games. It should be noted that he only started 25 of those games, with his 11 goals coming in just under 26 full 90’s.
Furthermore, the 22-year old provides more than goals. At 6’5, he is a serious aerial threat, and won 2.9 aerial duels per game at a 67% success rate in the league last season.
Although Barry provided four assists last season, it could have been more – as he created seven big chances in the league, which is more than Robert Lewandowski, Rodrygo, and Alexander Sorloth to name a few.
So we know that his game is more than goals, whilst also having a decent scoring record that could improve a lot. We saw Beto’s form drastically improve once David Moyes came in last season – perhaps we could see the same for Barry under his guidance.
The striker certainly thinks so, saying: “I had good conversations with the manager. He told me I have the quality to play in the Premier League. He wants to do good work with me. He wants to help me on my road and I felt the sincerity with him so that’s why I chose to come here as well.”
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin departing Everton after a nine year stay, it was clear that Everton needed attacking reinforcements, despite the form of Beto. With him and Barry as their options, they feel well equipped in the striker department.
As mentioned above, Moyes’ side secured the services of Alcaraz on a permanent deal, after impressing during his loan from Flamengo in the second half of last season. The idea of him linking up with the Frenchman feels quite exciting.
In a World Cup year, Barry will hope he can make the jump to the France senior team, having represented Les Blues at U21 level during the Euros this summer. A good year at Everton, and who knows.
