Everton are bound to announce Thierno Barry’s arrival soon, as the days are being wasted by Everton.
The only concrete deal that looks like happening so far this summer is Barry’s, with The Friedkin Group moving at a slow pace.
David Moyes will want this pace picked up with the Frenchman not even officially confirmed yet, despite Barry’s Everton move being ‘close’.
£27m looks to be the fee for the 22-year-old who has impressed Everton heavily after his time in Spain for Villarreal.
But the Toffees saw this deal under threat, as a European club are exploring their options.
Thierno Barry celebrates for Villarreal after scoring vs Osasuna.
Photo By Ivan Terron/Europa Press via Getty Images
Benfica look to capitalise on Everton’s move for Thierno Barry
With Everton fans desperately waiting for Barry to become the new number nine after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s exit, there was a threat to this move growing in uncertainty.
It was claimed previously that bureaucratic issues were stalling Barry’s arrival, but this next concern was from another club looking to test the striker’s resolve.
Transfer expert, Dr. Notavel, said Benfica enquired about the Frenchman as they were looking to present a last-minute offer to convince Barry to change his mind about Everton.
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But this was swiftly rejected as it’s now claimed that the Portuguese giants have added Beto to their ‘shortlist’.
It seems with Barry joining, the Lisbon side feels as though they can prise the 27-year-old away from Moyes with Barry set to become the star striker.
Beto is receiving plenty of interest, so this could be a saga to keep an eye on.
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Are Everton truly getting an upgrade on Beto with Barry
Moyes is seemingly looking to build around Barry which could ultimately send a message to Beto.
After his form towards the back end of the season, the Guinea-Bissau international may feel as though he deserves a starting place, with the striker looking unstoppable at times.
Nevertheless, Barry has also proved his threat as Barry has similar traits to Jean-Phillipe Mateta.
Judging by Mateta’s recent success in the Premier League, this will be an upgrade on Beto, but it’s closer than you think.
Beto in 24/25 season Barry in 24/25 season
Games played 30 35
Goals 8 11
Shots on target per 90 1.35 0.97
Chances created 12 24
Aerial duels won % 48.5% 66.7%
Aerial duels won per 90 5.83 3.95
The Frenchman has age and height on his side adding to this, but Everton could always turn into a team with a front two.
Fans have praised Barry’s aerial presence, and combining that with Beto next season should suggest to Moyes that Benfica’s interest in the striker should be rejected.