Daijiworld Media Network - Liverpool

Liverpool, Jul 9: Everton have officially signed French U-21 striker Thierno Barry from Spanish side Villarreal on a four-year contract, keeping him at Goodison Park until June 2029.

The 6'5" forward impressed in his debut La Liga season, scoring 11 goals — including a hat-trick against Leganes — and helping Villarreal secure a fifth-place finish and a Champions League spot.

Excited about his move, Barry said, “It’s a big moment for me. Everton has a rich history and legends like Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku. I grew up watching them, and now I want to follow in their footsteps.”

Born in Lyon and of Guinean heritage, Barry rose through the youth systems at SC Toulon and Sochaux, before moving to Belgian club Beveren in 2022. A prolific 20-goal season there earned him a transfer to FC Basel, where he added 12 goals in 2023/24. Villarreal snapped him up the following summer.

Now at Everton, Barry is eager to prove himself in front of the club’s passionate fanbase at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Manager David Moyes, announcing his second summer signing after midfielder Charly Alcaraz, welcomed the addition. “Thierno is a young talent with real promise. We’ll give him the time and support to settle in and are excited about what he can bring to the team. We're also working to add more strength to the squad soon.”