We had reported here that City were closing in on Gareth Barry, and news has just come in that the Aston Villa skipper has become Mark Hughes’ first summer signing.
Barry, who was the subject of four failed bids from Liverpool last summer, was snapped up by City for a fee of £12m. He wanted to leave Aston Villa last summer because he wanted to play Champions League football, and while Martin O’Neill’s men did try their best, they could not finish in the top four.
This is what Barry had to say, ” I’m delighted to be joining City. It didn’t take much persuasion from Mark Hughes; they are heading in the direction I want to go. There is great potential here.”
Barry, who has made over 350 appearances for Villa, had less than 12 months left on his contract, and although Villa were prepared to offer him a fresh deal, they accepted City’s all cash offer. Barry’s wages have apparently been doubled at City. He will reportedly earn close to £100k a week in wages.
Villa and City could end up doing more business in the summer. The Midlands club are interested in Daniel Sturridge, and a compensation fee for the youngster is expected to be worked out in the next few days.
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