Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin announced his departure from the club last week upon the expiration of his contract.
“After nine remarkable years at this club, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision – together with my family – to begin a new chapter in my career,” said the Englishman on social media, confirming the news.
The previous few seasons haven’t quite gone to plan, as he scored just 11 goals since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
David Moyes now faces the challenge of bringing in another attacker who can replace the former Sheffield United man. Might a move be close for someone linked recently?
Everton ramping up talks to sign La Liga centre-forward
While Calvert-Lewin was reduced to a bit part figure at Goodison Park last season, he still needs replacing, and Beto still needs some competition up top.
Well, the Toffees may well have found their man already.
Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, Everton are currently in talks to sign Villarreal striker Thierno Barry and are ramping up their efforts to bring him to the Premier League now knowing that Calvert-Lewin is departing.
The La Liga side are desperate to keep their prized asset, and unless a club matches his €40m (£34m) release clause, the Frenchman won’t be going anywhere.
“We want the player, and if he were to leave, it would have to be, if not for the release clause, something very close to it. If not, he won’t leave.” commented Villarreal Sporting Director Fernando Roig Nogueroles.
With Calvert-Lewin’s £120k-per-week wage now off the bill, Moyes will have some flexibility regarding potential incomings.
Not only would Barry be an excellent signing, but the youngster would also be an upgrade on the former Toffees frontman.
Why Everton must sign Thierno Barry
Calvert-Lewin has really struggled for form over the previous two seasons. Last term, he managed to score just three times in the Premier League, recording two assists.
In comparison, Barry netted 19 times while assisting four times across all competitions, instantly suggesting he would be a big upgrade on the Englishman.
Furthermore, Barry also registered more shots on goal per game (2.1 vs 1.9) than Calvert-Lewin, along with scoring more frequently (a goal every 211 minutes vs every 543 minutes), created more big chances (seven vs one) and finished the season with a better goal conversion percentage (15% vs 6%) in their respective leagues.
By coming out on top across all of these metrics, Barry could give Everton some much-needed firepower next season under Moyes.
He was hailed by U23 scout Antonio Mango in May this year, who spoke glowingly of his 6 foot frame, noting that his “strong physique makes him menacing in the box.”
His hulking frame means Barry is excellent in the air. Indeed, when compared to his peers across Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks in the top 14% for aerials won (3.84) per 90.
This ability in the air will be music to Moyes’ ears, who can ask his wingers to deliver crosses into the box on a regular basis.
For a fee of just £34m, the Merseyside outfit can sign a player with proven ability in a top-five European league.
Not only that, Barry would be an instant upgrade to Calvert-Lewin.
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