Everton F.C. have confirmed the signing of midfielder Gareth Barry, who joins the club on a free transfer from Manchester City, per Evertonfc.com.
Barry, who spent the 2013/14 campaign on loan with the Toffees, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Goodison Park after impressing manager Roberto Martinez last term.
The former Aston Villa youth star, 33, developed a solid partnership with Republic of Ireland international James McCarthy in central midfield, helping the club earn a fifth-place finish in the English Premier League.
In fact, the Toffees’ 72 points (21-9-8) last season was a club record in the Premier League era.
Barry will report to Finch Farm for the start of pre-season training on Thursday, 10 July, and is expected to be a first-team regular in 2014/15.
Southampton sign Dušan Tadić from Twente
Southampton have completed the signing of Serbia No. 10 Dušan Tadić from Dutch Eredivisie side FC Twente for an undisclosed fee, according to the club’s official website, Saintsfc.co.uk.
The Serbia international, 25, will help fill the void left by Adam Lallana, who joined Liverpool for a reported £25 million earlier this month.
Tadić has inked a four-year deal at St Mary’s, with reports suggesting the Saints coughed up £10.9 million to complete the deal.
The 25-year-old, who tallied 16 goals and a league-leading 14 assists in the Eredivisie last season, is Ronald Koeman’s first signing as Southampton boss.
“It is a really nice feeling to sign. This is a really nice club of which I have heard a lot of good things about,” Tadić said.
“I have already seen the beautiful training centre and there are lots of nice people that work here including the coaches so I am really happy to be here.
“I watched a lot of [Southampton’s] games last season and saw that the club plays really nice football which will suit me because I like to play in the same way.
“The manager obviously knows me from the Dutch league so, when he called me and told me his plan, it was an easy decision to make.
“I know the manager well because he is one of the biggest Dutch legends in football – everyone knows him.
“He is a really good coach and you can always expect his teams to play well because he is leading them and because he is so good tactically. I am really excited to start playing for the club.”
Will Tadić be a hit at St Mary’s next season? I would certainly bet on it.
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