Report: Everton Eye €40m La Liga Striker to Solve Forward Issues This Summer | OneFootball

Everton’s Pursuit of Thierno Barry: Challenges and Opportunities

Everton’s search for a new centre-forward has led them to Villarreal’s Thierno Barry, with the Toffees keen to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season. As reported by TEAMtalk, sources have confirmed that Barry, who bagged 19 goals in 41 appearances for Villarreal in the 2024/25 season, is firmly on Everton’s radar. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract expiring at the end of June, the club is left in a position where securing a reliable striker is more critical than ever.

Barry’s impressive performance in Spain last season has placed him in the spotlight, and although Everton have shown interest, Villarreal’s stance on the striker could present some challenges. The LaLiga side is determined to retain the 22-year-old, who played an instrumental role in their Champions League qualification campaign. However, the possibility of a move is not off the table, provided Everton can meet the asking price.

Everton’s Striker Hunt Amid Contract Uncertainty

With Calvert-Lewin’s future at Goodison Park uncertain, Everton’s need for a dependable striker is paramount. Beto’s presence in the squad offers some stability, but manager David Moyes seems intent on adding another forward, which could allow hot prospect Youssef Chermiti to gain valuable experience on loan. The interest in Barry, along with the pursuit of Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, suggests that Moyes is casting a wide net for the ideal candidate.

The Toffees face competition for Barry’s signature, but they remain one of the front-runners, with TEAMtalk’s sources revealing that the club has been closely tracking the Villarreal forward for some time. However, as much as Barry’s form in Spain makes him a desirable option, the challenge lies in the hefty price tag.

Villarreal’s Strong Negotiating Position

Villarreal’s position in negotiations is made stronger by Barry’s contract, which runs until 2029. The club is under no immediate pressure to sell and will likely play hardball with potential suitors. The striker has a €40m (£33.6m) release clause, and sources indicate that Everton would have to match or come close to that figure if they want to bring him to the Premier League.

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While €40m is a significant amount for a player who is still relatively new to one of Europe’s top leagues, Everton’s willingness to pay large sums is not without precedent. The club was prepared to splash out £30m on Liam Delap, though the young striker ultimately opted for Chelsea. This willingness to invest in a potential long-term solution up front demonstrates the club’s intent to bolster their attacking options.

Barry’s Potential Fit at Everton

At 6ft 4, Barry offers an imposing physical presence that could complement Moyes’ typical preference for a target man. His aerial prowess, coupled with his clinical finishing ability, makes him a fitting candidate for Everton’s needs. Barry’s ability to adapt to a more physical Premier League, combined with his proven track record in Spain, makes him a potential star in the making.

However, the question remains whether Everton can bridge the gap between Villarreal’s valuation and their own financial limits. With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Calvert-Lewin’s future and the competition for Barry’s signature heating up, it will be interesting to see how this transfer saga unfolds.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Everton fan, the news surrounding Thierno Barry is both exciting and concerning. On one hand, the 22-year-old’s goal-scoring record in Spain speaks for itself, and his physicality would likely make him a great fit for Everton’s system. David Moyes’ preference for a traditional centre-forward means Barry’s aerial ability and strength would be assets in the Premier League.

However, the €40m release clause presents a significant hurdle. For a club like Everton, where financial considerations are always at the forefront, meeting that asking price could stretch their budget. The fact that Villarreal is under no pressure to sell makes negotiations more difficult. It’s clear that Everton will need to act decisively to secure Barry’s services, but if they’re serious about competing at the top half of the Premier League, paying up could be worth it.

The competition for Barry’s signature could also drive up the price, further complicating matters. But if Moyes can land his man, Barry could prove to be the goal-scoring focal point that Everton has been desperately searching for.