Everton’s summer rebuild is gathering pace. The £27.6m signing of Thierno Barry from Villarreal has handed David Moyes a towering centre-forward to lead the line, one capable of dominating defences with his aerial prowess, strength, and movement.
But with both Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom returning to their parent clubs, Everton’s attack is short of width and creativity.
Moyes now needs a player who can stretch defences, beat his man, and crucially, supply the service Barry will thrive on.
Everton open talks to sign Harrison and Lindstrom replacement
That search has led them to one of La Liga’s standout performers, whose skillset may be the perfect match for their new No. 9.
According to reports, Everton have already made first contact.
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Via TEAMtalk, Everton have started talks with Real Sociedad over a potential deal for 24-year-old Japanese international Takefusa Kubo.
The former Real Madrid prospect is open to a new challenge, and the Premier League is believed to be a major draw.
Kubo is currently under contract at Sociedad until June 2029, with a release clause reportedly around £50m.
Everton are not the only side interested. Clubs from the Bundesliga and La Liga are also monitoring the situation, but the Toffees are hopeful that the promise of regular minutes and a key role under Moyes could help sway the player.
Kubo joined Sociedad permanently in 2022 and wasted no time making an impression. In his first full season, he was named the club’s Player of the Season, showcasing his ability to both score and create from wide areas.
Zinedine Zidane, who played a role in his development at Real Madrid, once called him “a very interesting player for the present and the future.”
Meanwhile, former Mallorca CEO Maheta Molango, reflecting on Kubo’s two loan spells at the club, praised his character and focus:
“I was very impressed by Kubo when I met him. He’s super humble, super down to earth. His talent is obvious, but the reason why he will one day be a football superstar is his head. He sees things that other people don’t see, the ability to see a pass and pick a long ball. His intelligence is outstanding.”
Why Kubo could be Barry’s perfect supply line
Kubo’s profile fits exactly what Everton lack. A right-footed winger who prefers starting from the right, he thrives in one-on-one situations, cutting inside to create chances or drive at goal.
He combines dribbling flair with precision delivery, making him a natural partner for a striker like Barry.
In 2024/25, Kubo played 36 games, scoring five goals and assisting several more.
According to FBref, he completed 75 take-ons, created 45 chances, produced 14 shots on target, and made 129 touches in the opposition box.
His crossing numbers are particularly impressive, averaging 3.32 per 90, ranking him in the 86th percentile among wingers in Europe’s top leagues.
For Barry, who stands at 6 foot 5 and thrives on service, those numbers are gold.
Last season, the French forward scored 11 goals from an expected goals (xG) tally of 11.7 and added four assists.
The same data reveals that he ranks among the top percentiles for runs in behind and crosses received and won nearly two-thirds of his aerial duels in the penalty area.
Barry’s combination of size, mobility, and sharp movement inside the box is exactly the kind of profile that can elevate a creator like Kubo. And in turn, Kubo’s ability to beat his marker and pick a final ball could help Barry explode in the Premier League.
Moyes’ system traditionally relies on wide players who work hard defensively but also deliver early, accurate service. Kubo ticks those boxes but adds a level of technical quality that Everton have lacked on the flanks.
With Calvert-Lewin gone, Barry now leads the line. And if Everton can land Kubo, they may have finally found the perfect partner to supply him, creating a dangerous duo built on power, and cutting edge in the final third.
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