Everton have made an approach to sign Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, according to reports from Spain, as manager David Moyes seeks a new focal point in attack. The move follows Liam Delap’s £30m transfer to Chelsea, a player Everton were tracking closely earlier in the summer window.
The 22-year-old French striker has a €40m (£34m) release clause and is seen as a rising talent across Europe. Despite interest in keeping him, Villarreal may be willing to entertain offers if that figure is met.
Why Thierno Barry Fits the Moyes System
Barry’s profile makes him a natural fit for David Moyes’ tactical structure. A physical, aerially dominant centre-forward with improving goal numbers, he could be the No9 Everton have lacked in recent years.
“He’s got a menacing profile. Strong, direct, dangerous in the air. The kind of striker defenders hate playing against.” — Antonio Mango, U23 Scout
Barry ranks in the top 1% of centre-forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for aerial duels won (67.3%), and he averaged 5.1 duels won per La Liga match last season, per Sofascore.
Thierno Barry vs Liam Delap: By the Numbers
| Match Stat | Barry (24/25) | Delap (24/25) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 16 | 12 |
| Assists | 4 | 2 |
| Goal Involvements | 20 | 14 |
| Aerial Duel Win % | 67.3% | 53.6% |
Barry’s Career Path and Rise
Barry began his senior career at Waasland-Beveren, where he scored 20 goals in 31 matches in Belgium’s second tier. Since then, he’s played for Basel and Villarreal, showcasing both development and adaptability.
Key Reasons Everton Are Targeting Barry
- Missed out on Liam Delap to Chelsea
- Barry fits Moyes’ preference for physical, aerially dominant strikers
- 20 goal contributions in 2024/25
- Top 1% for aerial duel win rate across Europe
- Long-term replacement for Calvert-Lewin uncertain
What’s Next?
Everton look set to ramp up their interest in Thierno Barry after missing out on Liam Delap. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future unresolved and Moyes demanding a proven physical striker, the Villarreal man could be the ideal summer acquisition.
Would Barry be an upgrade on Delap? Should Everton spend £34m on the French target man? Leave your thoughts and share with your fellow Toffees.
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