Thierno Barry Awaits Everton Deal While Missing Villarreal Preseason Fixtures in the USA
Villarreal striker Thierno Barry is edging closer to a summer move to the Premier League, with Everton making significant strides to secure his signature. The 22-year-old French forward, who made a notable impact in his debut season in Spain, is currently in Miami awaiting the final stages of negotiations to be completed. As a result, he is expected to miss Villarreal’s early pre-season matches, including their upcoming friendlies against FC Basel and Sporting CP.
Impressive Rise at Villarreal
Barry, who stands at an imposing 6 feet 4 inches, enjoyed an eye-catching first campaign with Villarreal after arriving from Swiss outfit FC Basel last summer. During the 2023–24 season, he registered 11 goals and contributed five assists, helping Marcelino García Toral’s side to an impressive fifth-place finish in La Liga. His ability to play with his back to goal, hold off defenders, and bring others into the game has made him a vital piece in Villarreal’s attack.
Despite his towering frame, Barry is surprisingly agile and deceptively fast. He frequently catches defenders off guard with his long, loping strides and sudden bursts of acceleration, traits that helped him thrive in both the Swiss Super League and La Liga.
Set to Miss Villarreal Friendlies
According to Mediterraneo (3 July), the French forward remains in the United States as he awaits confirmation of the move to Goodison Park. Due to the ongoing transfer proceedings, Barry is now poised to miss Villarreal’s preseason tour, including a symbolic fixture against his former club, Basel, on July 19, followed by a clash with Portuguese side Sporting CP.
Everton Move Looms
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract expiring at the end of June, Everton are on the lookout for a new spearhead in attack. Barry has quickly emerged as a top target, with the Toffees confident that his blend of size, speed, and technical skill will be an ideal fit for David Moyes’ system.
The Merseyside club are undergoing an attacking reshuffle, and Barry’s potential arrival could mark a shift in style. Everton’s scouting department views him as a ready-made solution for the rigours of the English top flight—physically dominant, smart with his movement, and efficient in front of goal.
A Tactical Fit for Moyes
Barry’s profile aligns well with the direct and disciplined football favoured by Moyes. His ability to operate as a target man while also running the channels gives Everton the flexibility to play both on the ground and in the air. The prospect of Barry combining with energetic midfielders like Iliman Ndiaye and Carlos Alcaraz is an exciting one for Everton fans.
Moreover, Moyes could look to pair Barry with fellow striker Beto. The duo share similar physical attributes—both are tall, powerful, and possess a keen eye for goal. Deploying them together could create a formidable partnership that would trouble even the most composed of Premier League defences.
Barry Brings Something Different
Beyond his technical and physical qualities, Barry offers Everton something they’ve lacked in recent seasons—an all-action forward capable of relentless pressing, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing. His addition would not only fill the void left by Calvert-Lewin but also provide Moyes with a dynamic new option capable of leading the line in multiple tactical setups.
As the final details of the transfer continue to be ironed out, Everton supporters will be eagerly awaiting confirmation that Barry is on his way to Goodison Park. If the deal goes through as expected, the Premier League could soon have another exciting, powerful forward lighting up its stadiums.