French striker Thierno Barry set to join Everton from Villarreal | OneFootball

Villarreal striker Thierno Barry is set to join Everton after both clubs reached an agreement over a summer transfer deal, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 22-year-old will be moving to the Toffees for an initial €35 million, picking them ahead of other Premier League suitors in a huge boost for manager David Moyes.

The Hill Dickinson Stadium club need a striker following the departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin last month, and Barry will be coming in as a direct replacement.

He notched 19 goals and four assists in 41 appearances last season, scoring eight times for Swiss Super League club Basel in four games before moving to the La Liga club in August.

He ended his debut campaign in the Spanish top-flight with 11 goals in 37 games.

The French youth international will fancy his chances of hitting the ground running at Everton, given his style of play. He has the potential to become a top Premier League striker under Moyes.

Barry had a €40m release clause that Villarreal wanted suitors to activate before signing him, but the Toffees wanted to lower the fee.

Everton have lost 11 players this summer and need to make plenty of quality signings if they want to finish in the top half of the Premier League table next term.

Charly Alcaraz has been signed permanently from Flamengo following his impressive loan spell last term, while Leeds United attacker Jack Harrison could return after successive loan spells.

Adding Barry to the squad could prove to be a smart decision, as he still has plenty of time to develop into a top player.

He will be desperate to start proving himself immediately as he chases a spot in the star-studded French national squad at the 2026 World Cup.