Report: Everton Close-In On 27m Forward As Key Man Commits Future | OneFootball

Everton’s Summer Ambition Steps Up with Thierno Barry Pursuit and Branthwaite Commitment

Everton’s intent in the summer transfer market has taken a sharp turn towards ambition and structure – and it’s starting to feel like a proper David Moyes rebuild. According to The Guardian’s Andy Hunter, the Blues are on the verge of signing Villarreal striker Thierno Barry for a fee of around £27 million, in what would be the club’s second notable piece of summer business following the permanent arrival of Carlos Alcaraz.

Barry, a 22-year-old France Under-21 international, netted 11 La Liga goals last season and was part of the French side at the recent U21 Euros. While his €40m release clause set an initially steep asking price, Everton’s ongoing negotiations appear to have successfully knocked that down – a shrewd move in a market where value is hard to find.

The need for attacking reinforcements is clear. With Liam Delap slipping through their fingers, a decision not to pursue Armando Broja permanently, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin departing as a free agent, Moyes has been forced to prioritise a new No. 9. Barry looks like a statement signing – young, sharp, and used to competing at a high level.

Branthwaite Deal Signals Club’s Ambition

More good news for Evertonians arrived with Jarrad Branthwaite putting pen to paper on a five-year deal. The 23-year-old centre-back has been the club’s Young Player of the Year two seasons running, and had reportedly attracted interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea. But Branthwaite made his choice clear.

He pointed to the new direction under Moyes and the Friedkin Group as pivotal factors. He added, “The manager has been really good, not only for me but for the group. You saw the change in results, the change in mood since he came in.”

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His commitment feels like a cornerstone moment – not only does it offer stability in defence, but it reinforces a narrative that Everton are no longer a club in limbo.

Moyes Driving Culture Shift

Since returning to the club, Moyes has reinvigorated the squad’s spirit. The second half of last season hinted at what’s possible when tactical clarity and discipline return.

Moyes’s own words on the centre-back reflect that trust:

Positive Moves Reflect Bigger Picture

There’s a new stadium on the horizon, fresh ownership with intent, and a manager who knows the club’s DNA. Thierno Barry’s potential arrival and Branthwaite’s commitment reflect a club finally aligned from boardroom to touchline.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Evertonian perspective, this is exactly the sort of summer that fans have been crying out for. It’s not just about big-money signings or flashy names; it’s about building a sustainable squad with a vision. The Barry deal feels like a smart, long-term investment – a striker with European experience and scope to develop further under Moyes.

Securing Branthwaite on a long-term deal is arguably just as important. For too long, the club has lost promising players or failed to keep them happy. That he chose to stay despite interest from Champions League clubs speaks volumes about the shift happening behind the scenes. Moyes clearly has the dressing room and the board pulling in the same direction – something Everton haven’t had in years.

Of course, it’s early days. Fans have been burned before by false dawns. But there’s genuine reason to feel optimistic this time. The Friedkin Group appear willing to back Moyes without being reckless, and the recruitment so far feels targeted and purposeful.

If Barry hits the ground running and the squad stays fit, there’s every reason to believe Everton can push back into the top half and start to look like a proper Premier League force again.