Thierno Barry Officially Integrates into Everton Squad at Finch Farm
Thierno Barry, Everton's high-profile signing from Villarreal, has officially joined the first-team training at Finch Farm. The 22-year-old French Under-21 international participated in his first session on Monday, marking a significant step in his integration into David Moyes' squad. Barry's arrival comes after completing his transfer earlier this month and following an extended break after representing France in the U21 European Championships.
Barry's Journey to Everton: From Villarreal to Finch Farm
Everton secured Barry's signature on July 9, acquiring him from Villarreal for an undisclosed fee, widely reported to be around £27 million (€32.5m fixed), with potential add-ons that could raise the total to €38-40 million. He has committed to a four-year contract, set to keep him at Goodison Park until June 2029. Prior to joining Everton, Barry had a successful season with Villarreal, scoring 11 goals in La Liga and helping the club secure a fifth-place finish and Champions League qualification.
Missed Pre-Season Friendlies and Upcoming US Tour
Due to his participation in the U21 European Championships in June, where he scored a crucial stoppage-time winner against Georgia in the group stages, Barry was granted an extended break. Consequently, he did not feature in Everton's recent pre-season friendlies against Accrington Stanley on July 15 and Blackburn Rovers on July 19. However, he is expected to travel with the team to the United States later this week for the Premier League Summer Series.
Premier League Summer Series: First Opportunity to See Barry in Action
The Premier League Summer Series will provide Everton fans with their first opportunity to see Barry in action. During the tour, Everton is scheduled to face Bournemouth, West Ham Utd, and Manchester Utd. These matches will serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming Premier League season, and Barry's performances will be closely watched as he aims to adapt to the English game.
Potential Debut at Hill Dickinson Stadium Against AS Roma
For fans unable to make the trip to the United States, there's another opportunity to witness Barry's debut. After the US tour, Everton will host AS Roma in a friendly match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This fixture is anticipated to be Barry's first appearance on home soil, providing local supporters with a chance to assess their new signing firsthand.
David Moyes' Perspective on the New Signing
Everton manager David Moyes has expressed his delight at securing Barry's services, highlighting the player's "lots of potential." Moyes has stated that he anticipates "good things" from the young striker and views him as a vital addition to the squad, particularly following Dominic Calvert-Lewin's departure. Moyes has also indicated his desire to further strengthen the squad before the start of the new season.
Fan Reactions: Excitement Mixed with Cautious Optimism
The Everton fanbase has reacted to Barry's arrival with a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. Many supporters are eager to see him in action and hope he can quickly establish himself as a key player. However, some fans have expressed concerns about the lack of other major offensive signings and the club's need for further reinforcements. The pressure is on Barry to perform and justify his price tag.
The "Star Signing" Label and Expectations
Some supporters are wary of labeling Barry a "star signing" prematurely, emphasizing that he is currently the only significant offensive addition this summer. This has led to calls for more signings to bolster the squad's overall strength. The high transfer fee associated with Barry's arrival has also raised expectations, with fans anticipating a significant impact on Everton's attacking prowess.
Concerns Over Lack of Further Signings Before US Tour
Moyes' expressed desire to bring in more new faces before the US tour is "increasingly unlikely," which has caused some consternation among fans regarding the pace of recruitment. The supporters are hoping for additional signings to strengthen the squad's depth and competitiveness ahead of the new season. The team needs to solidify itself to achieve better results.
Anticipation Builds as Debut Draws Near
Barry's absence from the initial pre-season friendlies has only heightened the anticipation surrounding his debut. Fans are eagerly awaiting their first glimpse of him in an Everton shirt, whether it be during the US tour or in the friendly against AS Roma. The anticipation continues to build with each passing day.
High Expectations and the Need for Quick Adaptation
Given the substantial investment in Thierno Barry, there will be considerable expectations for him to deliver on the pitch. He will need to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League and demonstrate his ability to score goals and contribute to Everton's attacking play. The team will expect to see his skills on full display.
Official Confirmation and Media Reports
Everton FC's official website confirmed Barry's signing on July 9, stating that he has signed a four-year contract until June 2029. Reports from OneFootball and ToffeeWeb on July 21 verified his first training session at Finch Farm. Various sports news outlets, including bet365 News, TransferFeed, and Sky Sports, have widely reported the transfer fees, estimated at around £27m or €32.5m, with potential add-ons reaching up to €40m. Moyes' remarks regarding Barry and future signings have been extensively covered by both club and sports media.
