Everton Sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal

Everton have completed the signing of French forward Thierno Barry from La Liga side Villarreal.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign in Spain last season, netting 11 goals and providing four assists in 35 league appearances as Marcelino García’s side secured a fifth-place finish and Champions League qualification.

His form placed him among elite company — Barry was one of only 14 players aged 22 or under across Europe’s top five leagues to reach double figures in league goals last season.

Barry becomes the Blues’ second signing of the summer, following the permanent arrival of Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo.

Speaking to evertontv after completing his move, Barry said:
“I’m very happy. 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.”

“I had good conversations with the manager. He told me I have the quality to play in the Premier League. He wants to do good work with me. He wants to help me on my road and I felt the sincerity with him, so that’s why I chose to come here as well.”

“For me, it is a dream to play in the Premier League. I think I proved in my career so far that I can adapt. For example, last season I went to La Liga, which is a top league, and I think I had a good season for my first season. I’m not scared to play here and do the same.”

Now set to compete with Guinea-Bissau international Beto for a starting role, Barry has his sights firmly set on making an impact in front of Everton’s passionate fanbase at the Club’s new world-class Hill Dickinson Stadium.

“I think the fans here are, like, crazy people… I like this!” he added. “I like to score for these people. I just want to play here, score and enjoy it with the fans.”

“On the pitch I always give 100 per cent, I always want to score, I always want to help the team to win. This is my character. For me, this is my meal, my food. When I score, I’m very happy. I will always give 100 per cent on the pitch and try to score goals.”

“The stadium is very big, it’s an amazing stadium, and I’m looking forward to seeing the fans in here.”

“When the manager came last season, I think he changed a little bit the team and I feel this and the new stadium, I think the Club comes with a new ambition, so I want to play my part in that.”

Manager David Moyes welcomed Barry as his second signing of the summer transfer window and said:

“We are delighted to have brought Thierno to the Club. We see lots of potential and we are hoping for good things from him.”

“We will give him plenty of time to settle in and we are looking forward to getting started working with him as soon as possible.”