Everton sign Thierno Barry in biggest buy under David Moyes

Everton have completed their largest signing under manager David Moyes, acquiring French striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal for a fee of £27 million. The 22-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the club.

Barry becomes Everton's second summer signing, following Charly Alcaraz, and represents the highest fee paid by the club since Amadou Onana joined in 2022. His arrival addresses the departure of strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin (free transfer) and Armando Broja (end of loan).

Last season, Barry scored 11 goals in La Liga for Villarreal, helping them qualify for the Champions League. He also featured for the France Under-21 team that reached the semi-finals of the European Championships.

Barry expressed excitement about joining Everton and fulfilling his dream of playing in the Premier League. He cited positive conversations with manager David Moyes about his potential and referenced past Everton forwards Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku as inspirations. He highlighted his successful adaptation to La Liga and stated he is unafraid of the Premier League challenge.

The striker is particularly looking forward to playing at Everton's new stadium, describing the fans as "crazy people" and expressing his desire to score for them. He believes the club has new ambition under Moyes and with the new stadium.

Manager David Moyes confirmed his delight at signing Barry, emphasizing the player's potential. He also stated his intention to make further additions to the squad in the coming weeks, following new contracts for Jarrad Branthwaite, Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, and Idrissa Gana Gueye.