LIVERPOOL, GB – In the demanding theatre of the Premier League, patience is often a scarce commodity, especially for big-money signings struggling to find their footing. Yet, Everton manager David Moyes has offered a robust public endorsement of young French striker Thierno Barry, emphasizing his belief in the forward’s underlying potential despite a slow start to his Goodison Park career.
Barry, who arrived this summer from Villarreal in a deal reportedly worth £27 million, has endured a baptism of fire since his arrival as part of a significant squad overhaul orchestrated under the club's new recruitment structure. As of mid-January 2026, the French U21 international has managed just three goals in his initial spell for the Blues, leading to inevitable questions from supporters and pundits alike regarding the investment.
The £27 Million Question: Barry’s Initial Struggles
The pressure on any striker arriving at Everton is immense, tasked with providing the consistent goal threat required to stabilise the club in the top flight. Barry’s breakthrough moment came in the first week of December, netting his maiden goal in a convincing 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This was followed by a strike in the return fixture against Sean Dyche’s side and a late consolation goal in a thrilling 4-2 home defeat to Brentford.
While these moments offer glimmers of promise, the overall tally reflects a challenging transition. Moving from La Liga to the relentless pace and physicality of the Premier League is a notorious hurdle for many continental imports. For a player identified as a key component of the future rebuild, every missed chance is magnified.
Recruitment Strategy Under Scrutiny
The context of Barry’s signing is also crucial. As one of the first major acquisitions of the post-Thelwell era, the move was executed by the new recruitment team, overseen by Chief Executive Angus Kinnear. Moyes addressed the process directly, defending the valuation and the rationale behind targeting a young centre-forward early in the window.
“It came from us. I think we paid £27m, and to be fair, that is not a lot of money for a centre forward in today’s market,” Moyes stated in a recent press briefing. “We had to go early on a young centre forward if we were going to get one. The market moves quickly, and securing talent before they become household names requires decisive action.”
This justification frames the £27m not as an overpayment, but as a necessary competitive outlay for a player with high ceiling potential. Moyes appears convinced that the underlying metrics and technical ability justify the faith, even if the immediate output is lacking.
Moyes’ Faith: A Managerial Blueprint for Development
David Moyes has built a reputation, particularly during his first successful tenure at Everton, for nurturing talent and demanding defensive rigour alongside attacking output. His backing of Barry suggests he sees the necessary attributes beneath the current goal drought. For a manager renowned for grinding out results, Moyes understands that developing a young forward takes time, especially when the team structure itself is undergoing significant evolution.
The striker’s role in the team’s tactical setup—whether pressing high, holding up play, or running channels—is still being assimilated. Goals are the ultimate measure, but if the underlying work rate and tactical adherence are present, Moyes is historically willing to wait for the finishing prowess to catch up.
“We are working closely with Thierno on the final third decisions,” Moyes continued. “He has the physical tools, the movement is good, and he is integrating well into the squad dynamic. It’s about confidence now. Once that next goal comes, and then the one after that, the floodgates will open. I have no doubt about that potential.”
Looking Ahead: The Second Half of the Season
As Everton heads deeper into the 2025-26 campaign, the focus will shift from potential to production. The club remains heavily invested in its long-term project, which includes securing a stable mid-table position and potentially challenging for European spots in subsequent seasons. For this vision to materialize, Barry must become a reliable focal point.
The coming weeks against mid-to-lower table opposition will be crucial testing grounds. If Barry can translate the flashes seen against Forest and Brentford into sustained performances, Moyes’ faith will be vindicated. If the struggles continue, the focus on the club’s recruitment strategy—and the manager’s assessment of the talent—will intensify.
For now, however, the message from the dugout is clear: Thierno Barry is a project worth investing time and patience in. The Toffees faithful will be hoping that this investment yields significant returns before the summer transfer window reopens the debate.
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