BREAKING NEWS: Everton Eye Villarreal Striker Thierno Barry Among Several Forward Targets This Summer
Everton Football Club are actively exploring striker options in the summer transfer window, with Villarreal’s towering young forward Thierno Barry emerging as a name of growing interest. Sources close to the club have confirmed that Barry, 21, is on a shortlist of attacking targets as manager Sean Dyche looks to bolster the Toffees’ frontline ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Barry, who joined Villarreal from Stade de Reims last year, has shown flashes of promise during his debut season in La Liga. Despite limited starts, the 6’5” Frenchman has impressed with his physical presence, aerial ability, and hold-up play—qualities that fit the profile Dyche typically looks for in a traditional centre-forward.
Everton, having narrowly avoided relegation for the past two seasons, are keen to strengthen their attacking options after struggling for goals. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future at Goodison Park uncertain due to ongoing injury concerns and potential transfer interest, the need for a new frontman has become a top priority. Neal Maupay and Beto have failed to consistently deliver, prompting the club to look for a more reliable goal threat.
While no formal offer has been submitted for Barry, Everton’s scouting department is understood to be monitoring his situation closely. Villarreal are believed to be open to offers in the region of €10-15 million, and with the player reportedly open to a Premier League move, negotiations could progress swiftly if Everton decide to act on their interest.
Thierno Barry came through the youth system at Paris FC before moving to Reims and later making the leap to Spanish football. Known for his athleticism and ability to bring others into play, he has also been tipped for a potential breakthrough at international level with France’s U21s.
Everton are not alone in tracking the young striker, however. Several Bundesliga clubs have also expressed interest, while scouts from Ligue 1 sides have continued to monitor his development since his departure from France.
The Toffees’ interest in Barry comes amid a wider search for attacking reinforcements, with the club also linked to Coventry City’s Ellis Simms, former loanee Moussa Dembélé, and AZ Alkmaar’s Vangelis Pavlidis. Director of Football Kevin Thelwell is believed to be weighing a mix of domestic and continental options, focusing on younger players with resale value and strong physical attributes.
Financially, Everton remain constrained due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, but the potential sale of fringe players and the possible departure of Amadou Onana could help fund key signings.
As of now, Barry remains just one of several names under consideration, but sources suggest he fits the mould Dyche wants—a target man who can lead the line, press from the front, and offer a focal point for Everton’s attack.
Supporters will be watching closely as the transfer window heats up, hoping the club can make the right additions to avoid another relegation battle and reestablish some stability at Goodison Park.
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