Everton have now agreed a deal in principle with Villarreal to sign Thierno Barry, TBR Football can reveal.
David Moyes’ Everton side have been on the hunt for a striker this summer and 22-year-old Thierno Barry has prevailed as the answer.
TBR Football recently shared that Everton were accelerating Barry talks following the conclusion of France’s efforts at the U21 Championships.
And following the sales of Alexander Sorloth to Atletico Madrid last summer and Nicolas Jackson to Chelsea the year before, Villarreal are poised to sell a third talented striker in three seasons.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin recently confirmed that he won’t be sticking around for Everton’s move to the Hill Dickinson stadium, and Barry will now come in to boost Moyes’ strikeforce.
Everton agree deal in principle to sign Thierno Barry
Graeme Bailey, chief correspondent at TBR Football, understands that Everton have agreed a deal in principle of €38m (£33m) including add-ons for Barry to arrive from Villarreal.
Barry has a €40m (£34m) release clause but the Spanish side have agreed to sell for less, with Everton paying an initial fee of €32m (£27m) for the striker.
Thierno Barry celebrates a goal for France U21s.
Photo by Christian Hofer – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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The France U21 international has been subject to enquiries from several Premier League clubs over the last six months, including the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, no English side other than Everton opened talks to sign the striker.
Everton engaged with Villarreal and Barry’s entourage earlier in the summer and he quickly emerged as the club’s top target.
Barry’s camp agreed personal terms with Everton last month and a deal has now progressed, even if the transfer was being held up by the striker’s involvement at the U21 Championships.
Villarreal manager has pointed out where Thierno Barry can improve
Speaking at a press conference towards the start of last season, Villarreal boss Marcelino was full of praise for Barry, saying he had ‘extraordinary abilities’.
However, the experienced Spanish manager did point out where Barry could improve at the time, something he was clearly working on throughout the season.
Speaking last September, Marcelino said: “I think he’s a player with extraordinary abilities.
“He’s very young, many of the reserve team are older than him. He sometimes gets anxious about scoring; all he can think about is the goal.
“He needs a little more composure. He gives a lot to the team, he really conditions opponents.
“We’re very happy with this player. We’re aware that at 21, he needs time, but I think we made the right choice with his signing.”
And after agreeing a deal for the striker, Everton will hope that they’ve also secured an excellent signing.