France Under-21 striker Thierno Barry signed for Everton from Villarreal on Wednesday, the Premier League club announced.

Everton said that the 22-year-old had signed a four-year contract. British media reported the transfer fee was £27 million ($36.7 million).

The Lyon-born player started his career in Sochaux and also played for Beveren in Belgium. He was part of the France squad that reached the semi-finals at the recent Under-21 European Championship.

Barry scored 11 goals last season for Villarreal after signing from FC Basel.

"For me, it is a dream to play in the Premier League. I think I proved in my career so far that I can adapt," Barry told EvertonTV.

"I think the fans here are, like, crazy people... I like this!"