Moyes Eyes Villarreal’s Striker in Everton’s Squad Rebuild | OneFootball

Everton’s Summer Gamble: Moyes Eyes Barry to Lead Post-Takeover Rebuild

Big Moves Before the Mersey Move

As Everton prepare for a historic relocation to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, the club stands on a knife’s edge. There is hope, yes, but there is just as much uncertainty. According to The Times, the club is set to intensify their interest in Villarreal forward Thierno Barry in what could be a defining summer for David Moyes’ second spell in charge.

Barry, the towering 6ft 4in Frenchman, has emerged as a priority target. His €40 million (£34 million) release clause is hefty, but his output in La Liga — 11 goals in 35 games — suggests real promise. Everton will try to negotiate that figure down, understandably so, with several squad holes to fill and a fresh stadium era on the horizon.

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“He scored 11 goals in 35 La Liga games last season, having moved to Spain from the Swiss club Basel for £11.8million on a five-year deal in August.”

Rebuilding the Squad, Again

The scale of the rebuild is daunting. Everton are waving goodbye to a long list of players — Abdoulaye Doucouré, Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic, João Virginia, Neal Maupay and Mason Holgate among them.

Loan spells are expiring too. Jack Harrison, Orel Mangala, Jesper Lindstrom and Armando Broja are all returning to their parent clubs. Even Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane look set for exits.

“The takeover by The Friedkin Group brought stability off the pitch, but the extent to which the playing squad must be reconfigured is more aligned with a newly promoted side.”

Moyes’ Impact Already Felt

Since returning in January, Moyes has at least delivered a lift in goal output. “Moyes improved Everton’s scoring output after succeeding Sean Dyche as manager in January and returning for a second spell in charge.”

That bounce came largely thanks to Beto. “Beto finished with 12 goals in all competitions from 35 appearances, of which 20 were starts, as the club consolidated their top-flight status for another season.” But Beto cannot do it alone. Barry would represent both support and succession.

Contract Chaos and New Foundations

Idrissa Gueye is in talks but wants a longer deal, while Seamus Coleman could take a player contract at 36. There is little time for sentiment. The only confirmed signing is Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo, whose £12.6 million permanent switch offers a sliver of long-term structure.

Our View – EPL Index

Everton fans should feel cautiously optimistic. This is not just a transfer rumour, it signals a changing tide under Friedkin and Moyes. A move for Thierno Barry shows intent, but also raises questions. Can a squad that resembles a relegation candidate be rebuilt in one summer, especially with such a revolving door of outgoings?

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Barry’s talent is clear, but Everton fans will rightly wonder about his readiness for the Premier League. Moyes has worked wonders with raw forwards before, yet this summer’s margin for error is razor-thin.

Replacing over a dozen squad members and staying competitive while settling into a new stadium is a monumental task. However, if Moyes gets Barry and a few more smart signings, that Hill Dickinson curtain-raiser might not feel like a grand opening for a struggling club, but the beginning of something bolder.