Thierno Barry has been one of Everton’s main transfer targets this summer.
The Villarreal man has been hotly tipped to make the switch to Merseyside after notching 11 goals and four assists in his debut season in La Liga.
Barry is expected to travel to the UK to finalise his move to Everton, who are set to part with a fee of £34.4million to secure the Frenchman’s services.
The striker has been away on international duty at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. However, with that campaign now done and dusted, attention has turned to where Barry may be playing his football next term.
Barry could be announced as an Everton player on Wednesday
Barry’s signing would represent a coup for Everton, as the Toffees appear to have fought off competition from the likes of Wolves and West Ham to land the forward.
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The Friedkin Group are expected to back David Moyes in the transfer market, as the Scotsman looks to take the team to the next level after a drastic improvement in the second half of last season.
The permanent acquisition of Charly Alcaraz has been the only incoming for the Toffees so far this summer. However, that looks as though it could be about to change with the announcement of Barry’s arrival now close.
Ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes the transfer could be confirmed on Wednesday (9 July), as Moyes bids to integrate the forward into his squad.
“I wonder why it hasn’t been announced already,” King said.
“Everton will be starting back for pre-season. Therefore, Moyes will want these players in. He’ll want Barry to get used to the club, the management and the players he is going to play with.
“As a result, the sooner it’s done, the better. If it’s all been agreed, then he should be there now. I’d imagine if it’s all done, he’ll be presented as an Everton player on Wednesday.”
Barry signing would be a statement of intent from Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite’s recent contract extension arguably stands as the Toffees’ best piece of business so far this summer, but that will surely be rivalled by the addition of Barry.
The Merseysiders have needed a reliable goalscorer for several years now, and the 22-year-old looks set to be a significant, and much-needed, investment to the frontline.
ClubAppsGoalsAssistsVillarreal37114Basel40205SK Beveren33205Barry’s career stats
The former Basel man’s form in Spain has understandably drawn plenty of addition, but Everton’s emergence as the likely victors is a major statement of intent by the new regime.
TFG have already turned words into actions with Branthwaite’s extension, and they now seem set to flex their muscles once again by adding Barry to Moyes’ ranks.
