Exclusive: Everton have now spoken to ‘exciting’ player’s camp, move is looking likely as they have …….
Everton Accelerate Striker Search Amidst Competitive Summer Transfer Market
Everton’s quest to secure a new leading striker is intensifying as the transfer window edges forward, with behind-the-scenes activity picking up pace during the brief lull in market action. As the club looks to strengthen its squad under new ownership, the need for attacking reinforcements is becoming a central priority.
Following the Friedkin Group’s recent confirmation of Carlos Alcaraz’s permanent signing for manager David Moyes, the attention has swiftly shifted towards bolstering the attacking line—most crucially, acquiring a reliable number nine. The club is intent on adding more firepower up front, recognizing that increased goal output is essential if they are to climb the Premier League table next season.
Director Angus Kinnear is reportedly tracking a range of potential striker targets, with the club expecting a busy and potentially transformative summer under the stewardship of their new owners. Everton’s recruitment team is already working diligently to identify and pursue key additions, especially after suffering an early setback in the market.
One of those disappointments came earlier this month, when promising young forward Liam Delap opted to join Chelsea instead of making the switch to Goodison Park—a move that forced Everton to pivot quickly to alternative options.
Among those alternatives, Villarreal striker Thierno Barry has emerged as a key target. Everton are now believed to be intensifying their pursuit of the 21-year-old, who has been catching attention across Europe with his performances in La Liga. According to TBR Football’s Chief Correspondent Graeme Bailey, the Merseyside club has entered into early discussions with Barry’s representatives to gauge both the player’s interest and the potential financial requirements of a deal.
Speaking to Everton News, Bailey stated:
> “Thierno Barry is a player of significant interest to Everton, although they are not alone in their admiration for him. Conversations have taken place with his camp, and Everton are now seriously evaluating what it would take to bring him to England.”
Reports suggest Everton are preparing a bid in the region of £33 million to tempt Villarreal into selling. However, prying Barry away from the Spanish outfit will be no easy task, as the club can offer Champions League football next season—something Everton currently cannot. Villarreal had hoped to retain Barry for at least another season, but growing interest from the Premier League side is reportedly making that outcome less certain.
Though Barry is said to be content at Villarreal, the lure of the Premier League and Everton’s long-term project—highlighted by the promise of a new stadium and increased investment—may prove to be compelling factors in the player’s decision-making process.
The competition for Barry’s signature, however, is fierce. Everton are not the only Premier League club tracking him closely. Chelsea, in particular, remain active in the striker market themselves and have already opened talks with Nick Woltemade, another forward previously linked to Everton. This development underscores the highly competitive nature of this summer’s striker hunt, with many top clubs across Europe eager to reinforce their attacking lines.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin widely expected to leave Goodison Park this summer, Moyes could be left with only Beto and Youssef Chermiti as senior striker options—a scenario the club is keen to avoid. As a result, finding a capable and dynamic forward remains Everton’s top priority during this transfer window.
Barry, described as an “exciting” young talent by renowned scout Jacek Kulig, appears to be the standout candidate for the role. His blend of physicality, pace, and finishing ability aligns with what Moyes and his staff are looking to bring into the squad as they look to re-establish Everton as a competitive Premier League force.
Despite the challenges and strong competition in the market, Everton are hopeful that their ambitious plans, boosted by new ownership and infrastructure development, will help them persuade players of Barry’s calibre to join their ongoing rebuild. The coming weeks are expected to be pivotal as the club pushes forward with its efforts to land a new talismanic striker.