(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Manchester City have signed Aston Villa and England midfielder Gareth Barry on a five-year deal on Tuesday for a fee worth around £12M ($21.5M).
According to Manchester City's official club website, the signing is a "clear statement of intent", with owner Sheikh Mansour of the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) looking to transform his current crop into a competitive, top European team competing at the highest level of club football.
After what happened with Liverpool last season, Barry's move to the richest club in the Premier League has caused a few eyebrows to be raised, with the midfielder stating that next season he wants to be playing regular UEFA Champions League football.
And clearly this is something he will not get instantly with City, who finished 10th in the 2008/2009 Premier League season.
However, the signing will certainly boost Manchester City's chances next season. With manager Mark Hughes having a formidable midfield with the pairing of Barry and Stephen Ireland in the middle of the park.
A statement on the club's official website about the signing read, "[His] ability, versatility and character made Hastings-born Barry a natural priority target as ambitious manager Mark Hughes tackles the second phase of his Blues revolution."
In 12 years at Villa Park, Gareth Barry made over 400 appearances for Aston Villa.
He will join his new club when he comes back from international duty with England, who are currently preparing for World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra.
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