JUST IN: Everton on course to seal ‘Massive coup’ that’s bad news for Wolves
Everton on the Brink of Sealing Another Major Signing as Transfer Momentum Builds
Everton appear to be closing in on yet another key addition to their squad as the summer transfer window begins to gather pace.
With significant gaps still evident throughout the squad, the Toffees are expected to be among the busier Premier League sides in the coming weeks. Thus far, their only signing has been midfielder Carlos Alcaraz, who joined the club earlier in the window. While the club has managed to tie down centre-backs Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Keane to new contracts—providing some much-needed stability at the back—there remains a substantial amount of work for the newly installed Friedkin Group to carry out before the new season kicks off.
In what could be viewed as both a shrewd acquisition and a statement of intent, Everton are now on the verge of securing a deal for Villarreal’s promising young forward Thierno Barry. The 22-year-old is expected to provide much-needed firepower in the final third, particularly following the departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose contract expired at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
According to a report from the Sunday Mirror (page 77, July 6), Everton have moved swiftly to agree terms with Villarreal for Barry, fending off interest from Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United in the process. The article describes the move as a “major coup” for David Moyes, who has made strengthening the attack a top priority since his return to Merseyside.
Barry, a France Under-21 international, made a strong impression in his debut La Liga season after signing for Villarreal from Swiss side FC Basel in August 2024. He registered 11 goals and provided five assists across all competitions—a commendable return for a player adjusting to the demands of one of Europe’s top leagues. His performances quickly caught the attention of scouts across the continent, with his pace, aerial ability, and ability to link play making him a standout figure in Villarreal’s attack.
Standing at over six feet tall and blessed with impressive acceleration, Barry possesses many of the traits Moyes looks for in a centre-forward. His capacity to hold up the ball and involve his teammates in attacking sequences will be especially valuable in a system that often relies on quick transitions and physical presence up front.
What makes the move even more satisfying for Everton is that Villarreal have reportedly identified Evan Guessand—another striker being tracked by West Ham and Wolves—as Barry’s replacement. In essence, the Toffees may not only be strengthening their own frontline but simultaneously weakening their rivals’ chances of adding firepower this summer.
Moyes is currently short on attacking options, with Beto the only senior forward remaining in the squad. Barry’s arrival would immediately ease that burden and offer the manager a dynamic option as he looks to shape a more potent and flexible attack.
While this potential signing marks a promising start to Everton’s transfer activity under the Friedkin Group, it is by no means the end of the road. The Merseyside club will need further reinforcements in midfield and wide areas if they are to achieve Moyes’ primary goal of European qualification for the 2025/26 season.
Nonetheless, the potential acquisition of Barry not only signals Everton’s renewed ambition under new ownership but also serves as a morale-boosting win over direct competitors in the Premier League’s transfer market. As fans await official confirmation, the mood around Goodison Park is beginning to shift towards cautious optimism ahead of what promises to be a transformative campaign.