Bigger talent than Barry: Everton chasing £28m ace with a “hint of Haaland”
A Fresh Era Dawns for Everton — On and Off the Pitch
Everton are embarking on a transformative new chapter in the club’s storied history.
After calling Goodison Park home since 1892, the Toffees are now preparing to move into their new ground, the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Their first fixture at the state-of-the-art venue will be a pre-season friendly against Roma on August 9, followed by their Premier League home debut two weeks later against Brighton & Hove Albion.
As the club undergoes a major off-pitch shift, changes are also unfolding on the playing side. Long-time striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has departed on a free transfer after 273 appearances in Everton colours.
Meanwhile, there’s good news at the back: centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year deal, a major boost for manager David Moyes as he looks to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
A New Striker on the Horizon?
With Calvert-Lewin’s exit creating a void up front, Everton are moving quickly to reinforce their attacking line. According to i Paper’s Mark Douglas, the club is close to finalising a £27.5 million deal for Villarreal striker Thierno Barry.
The 22-year-old French forward joined Villarreal from FC Basel just a year ago and netted 11 La Liga goals last season.
Beth Limb from Total Football Analysis praised Barry’s imposing frame and clever movement, describing him as a player who “often towers above defenders” and makes “excellent off-the-ball runs.”
However, Barry isn’t the only forward on Everton’s radar. Football Insider reports that the club also has eyes on Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.
The Republic of Ireland international is available for around £28 million, with Fulham, Nottingham Forest, and several top European clubs also monitoring his situation.
Ferguson’s loan stint at West Ham earlier this year proved underwhelming — limited to just eight appearances and one start, totalling only 151 minutes.
As a result, his market value has dipped significantly. A move to Everton could offer the perfect environment to reignite his career.
Is Ferguson a Better Fit Than Barry?
Just two years ago, Evan Ferguson was hailed as one of the top young prospects in football.
His hat-trick against Newcastle in September 2023 made him the fourth-youngest player in Premier League history to score a treble, behind Chris Bart-Williams, Michael Owen, and Robbie Fowler.
Former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker even said Ferguson reminded him of Erling Haaland.
But the momentum didn’t last. Ferguson has struggled with injuries and managed only three club goals since, going nearly a full year without scoring before finally finding the net against Wolves in October.
Despite the setbacks, football scout Jacek Kulig still regards the 20-year-old as a “big talent.”
While Barry boasts stronger recent stats, Ferguson has more experience at the top level.
Just two seasons ago, Barry was still playing in Belgium’s second division with Beveren before making a name for himself at Basel, where he scored 14 goals in the Swiss Super League — a competition ranked 21st globally by the Global Football Rankings.
Barry was part of the France U21 squad at this summer’s European Championship, scoring a last-gasp winner against Georgia, though he was not a regular starter in a team that reached the semi-finals.
Ferguson, in contrast, is a senior international for Ireland, with five goals to his name for the national team.
While the quality of teammates differs between Ireland and France, Ferguson’s international pedigree and previous Premier League experience suggest he may have a higher long-term ceiling.
Ultimately, it’s a matter of potential versus performance. Barry’s recent form is strong, but Ferguson might offer greater upside — if he can rediscover the spark that once made him one of the brightest young talents in football. Could a fresh start at Everton be what he needs to realise that promise?
