Everton sign striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal to bolster attacking options

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Everton have signed striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal on a four-year contract. The 22-year-old heads to the Premier League after registering 11 goals and four assists in 35 La Liga appearances during his first season in Spain. He becomes David Moyes’ second summer signing after the arrival of midfielder Carlos Alcaraz from Brazilian side Flamengo.

Barry joins Everton

Image credit: Getty Images

Everton have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Villarreal and France Under-21s striker Thierno Barry on a four-year deal.

Barry scored 11 goals in La Liga last season after joining the Spanish side from FC Basel.

Everton reportedly paid £27 million for the 22-year-old, who had a release clause in his Villarreal contract of £34.5m.

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"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. I'm not scared to play here and do the same."

Everton have added depth to their forward line after the departures of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja.

Barry began his career with French side Sochaux, before moving to Belgian outfit Beveren, where he scored 20 goals in 33 appearances and earned his move to Basel.

After a prolific start to the 2024/25 season with Basel, he joined Villarreal, impressing in his first La Liga campaign and alerting Everton.

"I think the fans here are, like, crazy people... I like this!" Barry added. "I like to score for these people. I just want to play here, score and enjoy it with the fans.

"On the pitch I always give 100%, I always want to score, I always want to help the team to win. This is my character. For me, this is my meal, my food. When I score, I'm very happy."

Everton manager David Moyes said: "We are delighted to have brought Thierno to the Club. We see lots of potential and we are hoping for good things from him.

"We will give him plenty of time to settle in and we are looking forward to getting started working with him as soon as possible."

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