Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Tue 21 April 2026 7:40, UK

Thierno Barry versus Beto has been the battle for Everton throughout most of the season, as the two number nines have swapped places on countless occasions.

In truth, both strikers have been lacking in key departments for much of the season, leading to speculation about the Blues’ transfer business.

There is no doubt that a number nine will be on David Moyes’ mind come the summer window.

But the Toffees would be wise to let one of their current options leave while keeping the other as a squad member.

With the likelihood that at least one will exit Everton in the summer window, the Merseyside derby made the case ever so clear.

Thierno Barry frustration has less to do with his quality, but more to do with attitude

Everton should keep Beto over Barry, but truthfully that decision should have nothing to do with the fact the Guinea-Bissau international found the net.

Instead, it has everything to do with how each number nine showed themselves on the pitch.

Beto was powerful and battled hard throughout the match, and it showed that he knew the magnitude of the fixture.

He played like it was a derby; he played like it was the most important match on the Everton calendar, and that is the bare minimum that supporters expect.

However, when Beto was forced off the pitch, Barry did not replace those values that the 28-year-old had laid down.

Instead, he seemingly waltzes throughout the pitch as if it were just any other game. There was a real lack of desire and passion from Barry.

While Barry is younger and may turn out to be a better finisher than Beto, the Toffees cannot afford to keep players who do not offer the basics and bare minimums required off the ball in massive matches, as it is completely unacceptable.

How much could Everton get for Thierno Barry?

According to Transfermarkt, Barry’s value since joining Everton has actually remained stable.

The French striker is touted to be worth £26.1million, which is not too shy of the £27.6m fee they paid for the striker.

If the Blues could receive their money back, that would undoubtedly be an offer they would immediately accept.

Barry has not lived up to expectations, and when you treat a Merseyside derby as just any old game, the writing is ultimately on the wall.

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