Everton Confirm £27.5m Signing of Thierno Barry from Villarreal

Everton have secured the signing of 22-year-old Villarreal forward Thierno Barry for an initial fee of approximately £27.5 million, with the player committing to a four-year contract. Barry, who scored 11 goals last season in La Liga and impressed at the Under-21 European Championships with France, expressed excitement about joining the Premier League and eagerness to adapt quickly under manager David Moyes. This transfer marks Everton's second signing of the summer following the permanent acquisition of Carlos Alcaraz, reflecting the club's intent to strengthen its attacking options after the departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Barry's height and goal-scoring prowess align well with Moyes' style, and he is expected to compete with existing forwards such as Beto and Youssef Chermiti. Negotiations for Barry involved overcoming Villarreal's initial £34 million release clause, ultimately settling on the lower fee, with Barry reportedly playing a role in facilitating connections to other potential signings. Everton fans and management hope Barry's arrival signals a positive start to the summer transfer window and a step toward revitalizing the squad.