Everton are set to accelerate talks to sign Villarreal striker Thierno Barry after his participation at the U21 Euros came to an end, according to Paul Joyce.
The Toffees are in the market to strengthen their squad this summer as they prepare to head to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, while new owners The Friedkin Group are keen to make a statement to help David Moyes.
A new striker is seen to be one of the priority signings heading into the new season, and Barry has now emerged as one of the top targets.
Everton to Accelerate Talks for Barry
Club want to pay less than his release clause
Everton boss David Moyes watching on from the touchline
Barry, who has been described as 'frightening', was one of France's star performers during the Under-21 European Championships this summer, and has attracted interest from a number of clubs as a result.
The 6ft 4 striker has a release clause worth €40m (£34.2m) that Villarreal have so far been demanding is paid in full during talks with Everton. However, the club are now hopeful of accelerating talks following France's elimination from the Euros, and they are hoping to negotiate a deal worth less than the clause.
Fabrizio Romano exclusively told GIVEMESPORT that the player is "very keen" on a move to Merseyside this summer, and Everton will be hopeful of using that to their advantage.
The Toffees are in dire need of new attacking options for the 2025/26 season with Armando Broja, Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison returning to their parent clubs following loan deals, while there are major question marks over the future of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is set to leave the club on a free transfer next week as things currently stand.
Thierno Barry's La Liga statistics - Villarreal squad ranking
Stats
Appearances
Goals
Key Passes Per Game
Shots Per Game
Dribbles Per Game
Match rating
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All statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 27/06/2025.
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