Everton 'nervous' over rising star's future, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is to blame

Everton are keen to extend Thierno Barry's contract after losing Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer to Leeds, with the 24-year-old entering the final two years of his deal.

Everton are determined to secure Thierno Barry on new terms, having learned a costly lesson from Dominic Calvert-Lewin's departure. Calvert-Lewin left on a free transfer and has since scored 20 goals in 51 games for Leeds United, more than he managed in his final four seasons at Everton combined.

Barry, 24, has impressed this season with 10 goals and three assists in 13 games for the Toffees. He is entering the final two years of his contract, with multiple clubs monitoring his situation. Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Everton cannot afford to lose Barry for nothing, given what happened with Calvert-Lewin.

"They will have been looking at the Calvert-Lewin situation as a lesson," Borson said. "It's a big, big loss and he's done really well at Leeds. And they've got nothing for him."

Barry has been a bright spot in a difficult season for Everton, with only Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak scoring more Premier League goals. However, some at the club believe he still needs to develop aspects of his game before he can be relied upon as the sole striker.