Everton have completed their first signing of the summer in the form of Gareth Barry on a free transfer. The former Manchester City man signs on a three year deal and brings with him a wealth of Premier League experience and quality to Goodison Park.

While certainly not a surprise signing, Everton had to fight off competition from a host of clubs from the English top flight as well as abroad to land the 33-year old’s signature and manager Roberto Martinez was delighted to be able to welcome back the midfielder following his successful loan spell last season.

Here is a look at whether the signing of Barry will prove to be a hit or a miss for Everton.

Value for Money – 3.5/5

Signing a player of Barry’s quality and experience on a free transfer can be considered a coup for any side and for a team with limited resources such as Everton, the deal certainly makes sense financially.

However, it has to be pointed out that despite arriving on a free transfer, the midfielder is on high wages compared to the other squad members.

While the exact details of Barry’s wages have not been disclosed and he is widely believed to have taken a pay cut to join the Toffees, his wages will certainly not be cheap for Everton.

It has also been reported that Manchester City are in line for a £2million windfall in some strange arrangement between the two clubs made last season.

Considering everything though, the transfer should be considered a good deal for Everton despite Barry technically not arriving to Goodison Park on a free.

Probability of making an impact – 4.5/5

Everyone knows what we can expect from Gareth Barry. Although not the most spectacular of players, he is the epitome of solidity and consistency at the middle of the park.

Everton fans got a taste of how important Barry is to a team following his fine performances last season – which was undoubtedly a big contributing factor in Everton’s success, and the Toffees fans can expect more of the same this season as well despite him entering the twilight of his career.

While the 3-year deal for a 33-year old might seem excessive, Barry’s presence in the Everton team will not only be important in terms of his contribution on the pitch but also in providing tutelage to young star such as Ross Barkley and James McCarthy to flourish.

Overall Verdict – 4/5

Although Barry may have had his doubters all throughout his career, the midfielder has been solid wherever he has played and it should be no different at Everton as well.

As a result, Barry and Everton look a match made in heaven which has the potential to be very successful.