Barry signs in as Everton's new striking addition

Everton have landed their second signing of the 2025 close season, securing exciting young striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal in a deal initially worth around £27.5m.

The France U21 international arrives at Bramley-Moore Dock following a successful season in La Liga with Villarreal where he scored 11 goals and helped the Yellow Submarine back into the Champions League.

Born in Lyon, Barry began his career in Sochaux’s B side before moving to Beveren in Belgium where he attracted the attention of Basel when he notched 20 league goals in just 31 appearances.

A season in Switzerland saw him fire in 14 goals in 38 games and he was on the move again, this time to Spain and to Villarreal in a €14m move last summer.

"I'm very happy," Barry told evertontv. "It's very exciting to be here. I just can't wait to start and I hope to start very quickly.

"Everton is a big club in the Premier League. They have a good history and good players have played here, like Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku. When I was young I liked to watch these players, now I want to do like these players who have gone before.

"I had good conversations with the manager. He told me I have the quality to play in the Premier League. He wants to do good work with me. He wants to help me on my road and I felt the sincerity with him so that's why I chose to come here as well.

"For me, it is a dream to play in the Premier League. I think I proved in my career so far that I can adapt. For example, last season I went to LaLiga, which is a top league, and I think I had a good season for my first season. I'm not scared to play here and do the same."

Barry, who turns 23 in October, follows Charly Alcaraz through the door as David Moyes and Everton's new recruitment setup embark on a squad rebuilding mission under new owners, The Friedkin Group.

The transfer could eventually top £30m if all appearance-related add-ons are triggered but it represents a lower fee than the €40m release clause that was in his contract at Villarreal.

His acquisition follows the news that Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gueye have been secured on new contracts while veteran defender Michael Keane has extended his stay by a further 12 months. 

Long Read: The Rise of New Everton Striker Thierno Barry