RB Leipzig have made an enquiry about Thierno Barry, and if a formal offer follows, Everton's football leadership will sit down and work out whether they're selling a £27m signing after just one season. That's where things stand right now.
Barry arrived from Villarreal last summer with some expectation behind him. Eight goals in 41 appearances isn't a disaster, but it's not the return that justifies the fee either — and the second half of the season told a clearer story. Once Beto hit form in January and rattled in eight goals before the campaign ended, Barry was reduced to a backup role. At 23, that's not where he wants to be.
Leipzig's chaotic summer adds context
Leipzig's interest is worth watching, but their summer has been anything but stable. They sacked head coach Ole Werner this week despite him guiding the club into next season's Champions League — a decision partly shaped by Jurgen Klopp, who in his role as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer was involved in the process. Martin Demichelis, former Bayern Munich and Manchester City defender, is expected to take over.
A new manager inheriting a squad and immediately pushing for a forward signing is a common enough story. Whether that pursuit survives the transition from Werner to Demichelis is the real question. Leipzig's top-four odds in the Bundesliga will factor into how aggressively they spend — Champions League football attracts players, but it also demands a squad capable of competing on two fronts.
For Everton, the calculus is different. Barry at £27m was a bet on potential. Cashing out after one underwhelming season would mean accepting a loss — financially and in terms of squad planning — unless the fee is right.
Hackney and the rest of the picture
Meanwhile, Everton are still in negotiations with Middlesbrough over Hayden Hackney, a midfielder entering the final year of his contract who rejected a £20m Ipswich move last summer and reportedly wants Goodison specifically. Crystal Palace and Hull are also interested, which gives Boro some leverage in pushing the price up. No deal yet.
- Thierno Barry: Leipzig enquiry made, no formal bid received, Everton leadership will assess if one arrives
- Hayden Hackney: Everton in talks with Middlesbrough, no agreement yet despite player's preference for the move
- Tim Iroegbunam: attracting interest from clubs domestically and abroad
Three players, three different situations — and a transfer window that's barely started. Everton's new stadium project puts pressure on the books. Whether Barry leaves or stays probably depends on what Leipzig put on the table.
