Despite recent transfer speculation linking highly-rated young French forward Thierno Barry, who has Guinean heritage, to several European clubs,Β the Villarreal player has not yet engaged in any transfer discussions, as per Africa Foot.
Chelsea and Como Links Unsubstantiated
Initial reports suggested Barry was nearing a move to Italian Serie A side Como. More recently, Chelsea emerged as a serious potential suitor, reportedly viewing the 22-year-old as an ideal fit for their strategy of acquiring young players with significant potential.
Agent Denies Any Meetings
However, while numerous teams may hold an interest in the talented striker, a representative from ROOF, Barry’s agency, has exclusively informed TheNerveAfrica that no club has contacted either Villarreal or the player himself.
“He (Barry) is a highly sought-after player, which is undeniable. However, we have not met with any team at this stage, and Villarreal has also not held discussions with any interested parties. He has a long-term contract with Villarreal, giving the club complete control over any potential transfer. Reports suggesting he is close to joining certain clubs are inaccurate,” the source revealed exclusively.
Villarreal’s Valuation and Barry’s Contract
Following an impressive period at FC Basel in Switzerland, the striker joined Spanish La Liga club Villarreal last summer for a reported fee of β¬14 million. Villarreal currently value Barry at approximately β¬40 million. His long-term contract further strengthens Villarreal’s position in any potential negotiations.
Performance Statistics Highlight Potential
The French youth international has played in 30 matches for Villarreal, contributing to 12 goals (9 goals and 3 assists). During his time at Basel, he made 41 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing five assists. Barry’s previous clubs include SK Beveren and Sochaux II, showcasing his development across different leagues.