Everton have signed striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal on a four-year contract.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a stellar season in Spain, with 11 goals and four assists in 38 matches, as he helped Villarreal finish fifth in LaLiga to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
"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," Barry said on Everton's club website.
Barry becomes Everton’s second signing of the summer window, after Carlos Alcaraz, and bolsters the Toffees' attack after Dominic Calvert-Lewin left following the expiry of his contract.
Barry’s career so far
Barry was born on 21 October 2002 in Lyon, France, and after starting with Sochaux, moved to Belgian club Beveren before joining Swiss Super League side Basel in July 2023.
He spent one season in Switzerland before going to Spain for the 2024/25 season.
Barry immediately showed his worth, helping Villarreal return to the Champions League for the first time in three years.
He scored 11 goals and set up four more in his debut season to finish as the top-scoring player in LaLiga aged 22 or younger. Among the same age group, only Barcelona's Lamine Yamal (22 goal involvements) and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham (17) produced more goal involvements than Barry.
Barry has also represented France at Under-21 level, scoring once in seven appearances.
Watch Everton's Barry announcement video
Barry is a Blue! ✍️🔵 pic.twitter.com/i12gj86r6E
— Everton (@Everton) July 9, 2025
When could Barry feature for Everton?
Barry could be in action for the Toffees as early as 15 July, as Everton take on Accrington Stanley in a pre-season friendly.
Everton are also in action later this month in the Premier League Summer Series against AFC Bournemouth, Manchester United and West Ham United.
Everton begin their 2025/26 Premier League campaign away to promoted side Leeds United on 18 August.