Everton view RB Leipzig’s interest in Thierno Barry as a mark of the striker’s growing reputation, but could be tempted to sell if the German club’s approach turns into a serious bid, according to a leading Merseyside journalist.
Liverpool Echo’s Joe Thomas addressed the situation in a reader Q&A on Thursday, saying Leipzig’s tentative feelers have largely been taken as a positive inside the club.
He described Everton’s belief that the interest vindicates what the club has seen in Barry since signing him, with a genuine willingness to persevere with the forward through his first full season on Merseyside.
A familiar position, now with more detail
The story isn’t new. Everton were first linked with a Leipzig approach for Barry three weeks ago, with reports at the time making clear the Toffees would want their initial outlay back before sanctioning any sale.
What’s changed is the tone from inside the club. Rather than simply defending their asking price, Everton are said to see Leipzig’s interest as validation of their recruitment, while acknowledging a big enough offer would still be considered.
Barry scored eight goals in all 38 Premier League appearances last season after his £27.6m move from Villarreal, a mixed return that leaves him something of a divisive figure among supporters.
Everton retain the financial upper hand regardless of how this develops, with the Frenchman under contract until 2029 and Villarreal holding a sell-on clause that adds further complication to any deal.
For now, Moyes appears content to build his forward line around Barry rather than without him — with any change of course entirely dependent on what Leipzig do next.
