West Ham United Are Competing For 22-year-old French Striker: Can The Hammers Outbid Their Rivals? | OneFootball

Thierno Barry been in the headlines in the transfer market as several English clubs are following him after his outstanding season with Villarreal in 2024/25. The young French striker, who had a spell with FC Basel before arriving in Spain, has been on the radar of Premier League scouts. Barry’s ability to score goals naturally and his mobility in the box have generated serious interest in England.

One of the clubs most desperate to find attacking solutions is West Ham United. After a disappointing season in attack, the London club’s directors are urgently looking at the market. Barry appears as an increasingly discussed option in the corridors of the London Stadium.

West Ham Are Competing For Thierno Barry

According to journalist Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, West Ham are among the leading suitors for Thierno Barry, along with Everton and Crystal Palace. The report mentions that the East London club are looking for a reliable striker after the poor campaigns of Niclas Füllkrug and Evan Ferguson. Neither managed to establish themselves or justify their signings, so an exit or a clear relegation to the bench is expected. Barry, with 19 goals in the 2024/25 season, has earned his place as a serious target for the Hammers.

Opinion:

West Ham need to make firm decisions. Füllkrug and Ferguson failed to deliver. The 22-year-old Frenchman, despite his age, has pace, technique and a consistent eye for goal that many more experienced strikers have already lost. Betting on him would be risky, yes, but also necessary if the club want to modernise their offensive line.

His performances in La Liga show that he is not under pressure. And if they surround him well, he can grow even more. The question is whether West Ham can compete financially with Everton or Crystal Palace. The London club have not always been the quickest or most convincing in key negotiations, and that could cost them this time.

However, if the price doesn’t skyrocket, Barry represents a rare opportunity in the market: a young striker with good experience and recent goal-scoring form. Betting on him over veterans may seem bold, but rebuilding sometimes needs risks. Right now, Barry looks like one of those risks worth taking.