From the Belgian second tier to the Premier League: Thierno Barry’s Everton move shows the value of the Challenger Pro League | OneFootball

Thierno Barry looks set to join Premier League side Everton from La Liga’s Villarreal. In just four seasons, the French striker has gone from the Belgian second tier to the Premier League, a remarkable achievement and once that serves as a reminder for how well the Belgian leagues are able to nurture talent and give players a platform to perform.

During the summer of 2022, SK Beveren signed the striker from French side Sochaux. Up until that point, Barry had only played in for the sides second tier. However, he went on to take the Belgian second tier by storm. The striker finished with 20 goals in 33 games, topping the Challenger Pro League scoring charts and almost leading Beveren to promotion. In the end, Beveren missed out on the top flight by a single point to RWDM.

That fantastic season from the striker caught the interest of Swiss giants FC Basel. Barry was able to use the Challenger Pro League as a stepping stone to the Swiss league, where he spent just one season. After 12 goals in 37 games he was signed by Villarreal. His 11 goals in 37 games in Spain have now led him to signing for Everton.

Barry’s rise from the Challenger Pro League to the Premier League is just another example of Belgium’s role as a domestic league that develops young talent. Strikers such as Victor Osimhen and Jonathan David have all come through Belgium on their way to the top leagues. There will more than likely be another player in the Challenger Pro League during the 2025/2026 season that will shine and end up moving on to a bigger club and who knows, eventually a top five league in Europe.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson