Report: Everton close in on 34.5m striker to replace Calvert-Lewin | OneFootball

Everton Eye Villarreal’s Thierno Barry as Calvert-Lewin Successor

Promising Young Talent on the Radar

Everton are closing in on a deal for Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, according to BBC Sport. The 22-year-old France Under-21 international is reportedly keen on a move to Merseyside, with the Spanish club expecting interest to materialise quickly.

Barry currently has a £34.5m release clause, and although that figure would represent a major investment, Everton appear ready to back manager David Moyes in the transfer market following the exits of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja.

Barry’s most recent season in La Liga was impressive: 11 goals and 4 assists in 38 appearances, helping Villarreal secure a fifth-place finish and Champions League qualification. “He would join as a replacement for striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin who left Everton upon the expiry of his contract this week,” the article states. With Broja also returning to Chelsea after his loan spell ended, the Toffees’ forward line is in desperate need of fresh energy and attacking potency.

Rapid Rise Across Europe

Barry’s footballing journey is a fascinating one. Born in Lyon, he left Sochaux at 19 to join Beveren in Belgium’s second division – a bold step that paid off. His form earned him a move to Swiss side Basel before Villarreal snapped him up in August 2024 for around £13m.

Now, less than a year later, his value has more than doubled – testament to his growth and consistency in one of Europe’s top leagues. It’s clear he has adapted quickly across cultures and systems, which bodes well for a potential Premier League switch.

Goals, Movement and Potential

The 6’3″ striker offers a blend of physical presence and technical ability that Everton have sorely missed. Barry’s movement in the final third, coupled with his instinctive finishing, makes him an ideal modern-day centre forward. With a knack for finding space and a commendable work rate, he could slot in well in Moyes’ preferred system.

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There is always risk in relying on relatively untested talent at Premier League level, but with proper support and a stable system, Barry could flourish at Goodison. His ability to press and stretch defences could make him a fan favourite if he hits the ground running.

Financial Considerations and Long-Term Planning

If Everton are to activate Barry’s release clause, it would represent one of their largest outlays in recent years. But with the squad in rebuild mode and Financial Fair Play constraints reportedly easing, this may be the right time to invest in a long-term attacking solution.

The signing also signals a change in transfer strategy – targeting players who can develop into top assets rather than fading names. Barry fits that bill perfectly.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Everton fan’s perspective, this potential signing feels both refreshing and necessary. After several seasons of underwhelming attacking output and persistent injury issues with Calvert-Lewin, a younger, fitter, and hungrier forward like Barry is exactly what the club needs.

While there’s a natural hesitance given Barry’s relatively short CV at the top level, there’s also real excitement. Eleven goals in a competitive La Liga season is no small feat, especially for someone adapting to a new league. If anything, that shows Barry’s trajectory is still rising – and Everton could be catching him just before his breakout.

Fans will be hoping the club moves quickly to secure the deal before other suitors enter the picture. The price tag is steep, but given Everton’s current lack of firepower, it could be justified – especially if Barry’s value continues to climb.

Another key factor will be how Moyes integrates him. If Barry is expected to lead the line solo, support in wide areas and midfield will be crucial. The fanbase will also want assurances that lessons from past recruitment mistakes – overspending on players who didn’t fit the system – have been learned.

All in all, if Everton get this one over the line, there’s cautious optimism. Thierno Barry isn’t just a replacement – he could be a new attacking identity for the club.