---
title: "Everton clause preventing West Brom from signing Gareth Barry"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/everton-clause-preventing-west-brom-from-signing-gareth-barry/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2019-10-25T20:00:52Z"
modified: "2019-10-25T20:00:52Z"
---

# Everton clause preventing West Brom from signing Gareth Barry

West Brom have hit a slight snag in their attempt to re-sign Gareth Barry due to a small financial clause with Everton blocking proceedings.

The 38-year old midfielder was released by the Baggies at the end of last season, having spent two seasons at the Hawthorns.

Despite being released however , the former Aston Villa and Manchester City enforcer has continued to train with Albion, and West Brom boss Slaven Bilic wants to offer Barry a new contract with the club.

However, a small technical complication involving Everton has stopped that from having happened.

![Mark Thompson/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readeverton.com/readeverton/2019/10/1093336300.jpg)

In the deal that saw Barry trade Goodison Park for West Brom, Everton inserted a clause that would require West Brom to pay a small fee if the midfielder was to sign for a third season.

While Barry is a free agent who can sign for almost any club for nothing, West Brom must meet this financial clause to commit Barry to a new deal, which is proving to be a stumbling block.

Bilic is confident that Albion can find solution though, as reported by the [Express and Star](https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2019/10/25/west-broms-move-for-gareth-barry-hits-snag/), saying:

> There is a small issue with Everton. It is all agreed between us and Gareth. But there is an issue with Everton, of course, a financial one.
>
> And until that is sorted he can’t sign a contract, and until he signs that contract he can’t play for us, not even in the under-23s.
>
> It is very frustrating for both him and for us because he is training with us – all that he needs is few games. It’s one thing to train but after a long break it’s another thing completely to play games on a big pitch.
>
> I spoke yesterday with Luke (technical director Luke Dowling) and Mark (chief executive Mark Jenkins) and Ke (board member Ke Xu) – we had a long chat about that and we are doing everything.
>
> But there is that little clause with Everton that’s been there since he came here, that we are trying to sort out and hopefully we will do it as soon as possible.

### Read Everton Verdict

I’m surprised by this story in that the clause Everton inserted into Barry’s transfer to West Brom sounds a little trivial and pointless, but if it brings Everton more money (albeit a small amount) then top work to whoever negotiated it.

This seems to be a very minor sticking point for West Brom and with Barry being someone Bilic desperately wants to bring back into the fold, the two clubs will likely come to an arrangement in no time.