With Everton’s deal for Gareth Barry appearing to be on the brink of collapse, Everton blinked first in their apparent negotiations with Manchester City.
The 33-year-old enjoyed a season-long loan deal at Everton from Manchester City last season and was an ever present in Roberto Martinez’s side, missing just three games all season and two of those were the games at the Etihad Stadium in October and the final game of the season at Goodison Park against his parent club.
Roberto Martinez had been pretty open in his stance that he wanted to make the deal permanent and Everton all summer have been the favourites to sign him on a permanent deal.
But that didn’t stop rumours circulating linking him with West Ham United and Manchester City’s Major League Soccer franchise New York City and then it emerged the deal could be close to collapse.
It transpired that despite Barry being out-of-contract with Manchester City, Everton would have to pay Manchester City a fee due to a clause in his season-long loan deal from last season.
According to the Manchester Evening News payment works as follows: ‘City will get £1million if Barry signs for one year, £1.5million if he signs for two, and £2million for three years.’
Everton reportedly tried to renegotiate the above clause, but with Manchester City refusing to budge the Mirror claimed that ‘West Ham are offering the best financial package, which could see the 33-year-old switch to Upton Park.’
Within 24 hours of that news hitting the headlines Everton concluded the deal to sign Gareth Barry on a permanent deal, signing a three-year-contract earning Manchester City £2million for an out-of-contract unwanted 33-year-old.
‘We all know the type of footballer that he is and the type of person that he is. He will fit perfectly well into what we are at Everton. It is a great way to start pre-season. Martinez told evertonfc.com.
He continued: ‘Gareth is a model professional. He sets high standards in everything he does and that is the perfect model you want for your young players. And add to that his experience on the football pitch and knowing how to win big games. He has that winning mentality and it is something I am delighted to bring into the side on a permanent basis.
‘We all wanted to get Gareth. It is not an easy signing getting a player of his pedigree but we are all delighted that he has chosen to commit himself to us for the long-term and be a vital part of our football team. I’m sure the fans will be delighted with the news.
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