Thierno Barry, the French striker, has officially completed his transfer from Villarreal to Everton for a fixed fee of €32.5 million, with an additional €5.5 million in potential add-ons. The 22-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Premier League club, marking a significant investment in their attacking lineup.
Barry’s move to Everton follows a standout season in La Liga, where he netted 11 goals and provided four assists in 37 appearances for Villarreal. His impressive performance caught the attention of several European clubs, but it was Everton who secured his signature. The transfer fee makes Barry the fifth-most expensive signing in Everton’s history, surpassing the previous record of €30.4 million paid for Alex Iwobi.
Prior to his stint in Spain, Barry showcased his goal-scoring prowess in Switzerland with FC Basel, scoring 20 goals in 41 appearances. His consistent performances have established him as a promising talent in European football.
In an official statement, Barry expressed his excitement about joining Everton, stating, “It’s very exciting to be here. I just can’t wait to start and I hope to start very quickly. Everton is a big club in the Premier League. They have a good history and good players have played here, like Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku. When I was young I liked to watch these players, now I want to do like these players who have gone before.”
Everton’s manager, David Moyes, has been actively seeking a new striker following the departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Barry’s arrival is expected to bolster the team’s attacking options and provide a fresh dynamic to their forward line. The club’s investment in Barry underscores their ambition to strengthen their squad and compete effectively in the Premier League.
Villarreal, on the other hand, continues to demonstrate its effective strategy in the transfer market. The club has a history of acquiring talent at a lower cost and selling them at a profit, with Barry’s sale being a prime example. This approach has contributed to Villarreal’s financial stability and success in European competitions.
As Barry embarks on his Premier League journey with Everton, all eyes will be on his ability to adapt to the English top flight and replicate his goal-scoring form. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his addition will impact Everton’s performance in the upcoming season.
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