Liverpool have completed the capture of Nick Barmby from arch-rivals Everton for a fee of #6m.

The England midfielder, who had refused to sign a new #27,000 per week contract at Goodison, expressed a desire to cross Stanley Park earlier this month, and now he has got his wish.

Walter Smith offered him a five-year deal that would have made the 26-year-old the highest paid player in the history of Everton, but his heart was set on a move.

"Everton and Liverpool have today agreed the transfer of Nick Barmby to Liverpool in a package worth up to #6million," said a Goodison statement.

"The clubs wish to emphasise that negotiations have continued over the past week in a spirit of goodwill and integrity and they both wish each other success in the forthcoming season."

These events represent a remarkable change of fortunes for Barmby, whose value as a player was dropping until he strung together some impressive performances in the second half of last season and forced himself into Englands Euro 2000 squad.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Answers

Another unappealing display of player power, greed, and a depressing lack of loyalty.
To me it's entirely indicative of how far these prima donnas have become detached from the fans who pay their wages - an Everton player, and one who's career they have helped to salvage, humiliating his Club and its supporters by announcing his desire to play for their bitterest rivals, and engineering a transfer to them while still under Contract. This, for an increase in this millionaire's wages from #27k to #30k pw. - that is, an extra 10%.
Quite frankly, I hope both his form and career go back down the pan - where this greedy, uncaring tosser really belongs.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Agree with you Clarky. I hope he has some really sleepless nights over this. Liverpool are rapidly becoming a Mecca for mercenaries - he'll be in good company with Dietmar "Squeals like a girl" Hamman.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Barmy Barmby's a t0$$er. And that's orificial. Agree with you Clarky - just for a change!

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000