According to reports, West Bromwich Albion are now looking to offer a two-year contract for Everton’s veteran midfielder Gareth Barry as Tony Pulis fails to get a young and able replacement for their departed skipper Darren Fletcher. The English international has faced uncertainty at Goodison Park with many already above him in the pecking order since last season and could just seek a challenge elsewhere.
The Baggies haven’t been quite aggressive in their spending this summer following their impressive finish in the league. Surprisingly, Pulis had to part ways from Fletcher and Jonas Olsson, two of the most assuring players of his setup last season. And he has hardly made any business to fill those gaps.
Pulis has always been an advocate of negative football where the side is mostly seen defending in an organized manner and in numbers. And while it leaves risks of losing the game and injuries, it could be frustrating for the players too. The likes of Nacer Chadli and Salomon Rondon have hardly found any goals up front last season and the new arrival of Jay Rodriguez isn’t expected to make any big changes either.
However, whether defence or offence, the midfield has remained a crucial area for the Welshman. Fletcher was perfect for Pulis who had continually shifted the midfielder as a play maker to throw bodies up front or a holding midfielder providing extra cushion to the defence.
West Brom has a limited budget to work with on transfers and Pulis knows that the 36-year-old Gareth Barry is the ideal fit with the resources he has. While the Hastings-born, isn’t a like for like replacement for his fellow Englishman in height, he definitely possesses better technique and discipline on the ball.
An academy product of Aston Villa, Barry has played for Manchester City and Everton and was one of England’s national team regulars alongside Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick. He will bring chunks of experience to the Hawthorns, which will further attract Pulis. The Welsh manager has found it comfortable working with Olsson and Gareth McAuley rather than young blood and Barry suits his need.
The Everton man has played over 620 games in the Premier League since breaking into Aston Villa’s senior side back in 1998. He has scored 47 goals and provided 27 assists for the Villans in 398 games and although his scoring boots have gotten rusty at times, he still retains the vision he had, from the deep midfield. He has earned 53 caps for England scoring thrice and could be the perfect fit for the Baggies this season.
