EVERTON FACING LEGAL ACTION: STAR STRIKER THIERNO BARRY THREATENS COURT OVER UNFULFILLED CONTRACT PROMISES
LIVERPOOL – Everton FC are facing a potential legal battle after star forward Thierno Barry has confirmed he is preparing to take the club to court over alleged unfulfilled promises in his four-year contract agreement.
The 22-year-old French striker, who joined the Premier League side from Villarreal in July 2025 for a fee of approximately £27 million, has instructed his legal representatives to begin proceedings against the club, citing breaches of terms outlined in his deal which runs until June 2029.
In a statement released through his lawyers, Barry confirmed the action was being taken after repeated attempts to resolve the issues internally had failed. “I joined Everton with great excitement and commitment to help the club achieve its goals,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, several key commitments made to me at the time of signing have not been honoured, and despite multiple discussions with the club’s hierarchy, no meaningful progress has been made to address these concerns. With no other option available, I have been left with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect my rights.”
The exact nature of the unfulfilled promises has not been disclosed, but sources close to the player suggest they relate to contractual clauses covering performance-related bonuses, image rights provisions, and commitments regarding training facilities and support staff.
Barry has quickly established himself as a key figure in Everton’s attack since his arrival last summer. As of February 2026, he has made 26 Premier League appearances, scoring five goals to tie as the club’s joint-top league scorer. Beyond his goalscoring contributions, his physical presence, hold-up play and aerial ability have become vital components of manager David Moyes’ tactical setup, with the striker often acting as the focal point for the team’s attacking play.
Everton have released a brief statement in response to the news: “We are aware of the concerns raised by Thierno Barry and his representatives. The club takes all contractual matters extremely seriously and has been engaged in discussions to address these issues constructively. We are disappointed that legal action is being considered, but we will continue to act in the best interests of the club while also ensuring we meet our obligations to all our players. We will make no further comment at this time as the matter may now be subject to legal proceedings.”
The development comes at a challenging time for Everton, who are currently pushing for European qualification in the Premier League while also managing ongoing financial considerations. With Barry remaining an important part of the first-team setup, the club will be keen to resolve the dispute swiftly to avoid disruption to their campaign.
