Everton came on leaps and bounds under David Moyes' wing in 2024/25, but there's no doubt they petered out toward the end of the campaign, illustrating the need for summer reinforcements.
After a slow start that has been defined by outings, things are starting to move at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Indeed, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin's departure at the end of his contract is poignant, the Toffees are close to signing 22-year-old striker Thierno Barry, who has a £34.5m release clause with Villarreal and scored 19 goals across 41 matches last term.
thierno barry
Further additions are expected. Everton might have parted ways with a whole host of first-team stars, but they have also succeeded in tying down an irreplaceable member of the squad to a new deal.
He plays in defence.
The latest on Everton's backline
Despite plenty of speculation, Everton have extended Jarrad Branthwaite's contract, and the centre-back is now contracted to the Merseyside club until 2030.
While Michael Keane has extended his contract on Merseyside, he is fixed in a back-up role, and landing Branthwaite for more years to come provides an incredible lift, especially as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been sniffing around.
With James Tarkowski, 32, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Jake O'Brien playing so well at right-back, it might be an idea to bring in another centre-half.
Well, according to Italian publication La Repubblica - via Sport Witness - Everton have entered the race for Inter Milan's Yann Bisseck, who could leave San Siro this summer as a by-product of an acrimonious and wide fallout at the club.
Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck
Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have also been named as suitors, with the German expected to command a £34m transfer fee.
Why Everton want to sign Yann Bisseck
Everton would sign their most modern-tailored central defender yet in Bisseck, who has developed steely defensive skills and an ever-improving ball-playing talent.
Inter Milan's Yann Bisseck
That and a shrewd eye for goal. As per FBref, the 23-year-old ranked among the top 3% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues last season for goal involvements, the top 19% for pass completion, the top 6% for progressive carries per 90 and the top 3% for aerial duel success rate.
What does that tell us? Well, it certainly underscores Bisseck's roundedness, progressive in his play while utilising his tall frame to defend from aerial attacks.
Something of a career nomad already, the 24-year-old has played 67 matches for Inter Milan, posting five goals and five assists apiece. Used across different competitions, he was a regular feature during Simeone Inzaghi's Champions League run last term, starting seven of the matches.
And he was hardly a passenger. Throughout Inter's continental campaign, Bisseck won 66% of his duels, as per Sofascore, and completed 87% of his passes, emphasising the technical virtues Moyes demands from his defenders.
But the expansive nature of his brand is what could see him step above even a player of Branthwaite's ability.
League Comparison 24/25 - Branthwaite vs Bisseck
Stats (per 90)
Goal involvements
Touches
Passes attempted
Pass completion
Progressive passes
Progressive carries
Ball recoveries
Tackles + interceptions
Clearances
Blocks
Stats via FBref
As you can see, Bisseck's passing and ball-carrying game is far above that of Branthwaite, having spent more time on the ball over the past year and retained it with greater regularity too.
While the more expansive part of Branthwaite's game has been hemmed back by tactical duties, Bisseck still far outstrips his positional peer as far as the technical side of the game is concerned.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Given that Inter's man, who played such an important part in reaching the Champions League final last year, has been hailed as a "diamond" of a defender by journalist Antonio Mango, he might just emerge as Moyes' star man in the rearguard, should Everton prevail in their bid.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry Related
[Bigger talent than Barry: Everton chasing £28m ace with a "hint of Haaland"](https://www.footballfancast.com/bigger-talent-than-barry-everton-chasing-evan-ferguson/ "Bigger talent than Barry: Everton chasing £28m ace with a "hint of Haaland"")
Following Dominic Calvert-Lewin's exit, Everton are set to sign Thierno Barry, but could they also target another striker who has a "hint of Haaland"?