The English club Everton announced via its official website the signing of young French striker Thierno Balde from the Spanish club Villarreal, with a contract that extends until June 2029, in a deal whose financial value has not been disclosed.

Balde, who is 21 years old, is considered one of the most promising talents in the attacking line, having excelled last season with Villarreal by scoring 11 goals in La Liga, including a hat-trick against Leganés, and contributed to his team's fifth-place finish and qualification for the Champions League.

He also led the French U21 national team to the semifinals of the recent European Championship, after scoring a last-minute goal against Georgia in the group stage.

Balde expressed his happiness at joining Everton, stating in remarks to the official website: "I am very happy and excited to start my journey here. Everton is a great club with its history and fans, and I look forward to giving my all to make them happy. My dream has always been to play in the Premier League, and I am confident that I can shine here as I did in La Liga."