Incredible.
Just when you thought Paul Merson couldn’t be any more of a Proper Football Man, he complains about Arsenal’s failure to sign a 36-year-old British midfielder. Even by Merson’s standards, this is astonishing.
The Soccer Saturday pundit was previewing the weekend’s Premier League games, and the topic of Gareth Barry’s transfer from Everton to West Brom came up. In case you missed it earlier this week, the former England midfielder left Everton after four years with the club.
Barry has signed a one-year deal with Tony Pulis’ side, and will undoubtedly be a valuable squad member for the coming season. The midfielder turns 37 in February, and is on the verge of becoming the player with the most appearances in the Premier League. Barry has so far played 628 games in the division and is on course to break Ryan Giggs record of 632 games.
He’s had a fine career, winning two league titles with Manchester City, and earning over 50 caps for England. However, is Barry the answer to Arsenal’s problems? Has anyone ever looked at the Gunners and thought they’re missing a 36-year-old holding midfielder?
Almost certainly not, unless you ask Merson. The former Arsenal midfielder said Barry is a “great” signing for West Brom, before questioning why Arsene Wenger didn’t sign him.
“I look at him and think why wouldn’t Arsenal take him for a year?” Merson asked, before detailing the qualities Barry would bring to the Gunners.
“He gets the ball, he moves it forward quickly and he doesn’t mess about.”
? Paul Merson thinks #Arsenal should have signed Gareth Barry. pic.twitter.com/NJklK4rELk
— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) August 18, 2017
Merson really is a Proper Football Man, that wasn’t in doubt. But to question why an elite Premier League team did not sign a veteran British midfielder proves without any doubt his Proper Football Man credentials.
People were astonished by Merson’s claim. Here are some of the kinder replies to it:
He strikes again..
— Jack 🔰 (@TotallyTettey) August 18, 2017
I swear he's just doing it on purpose at this point
— Backup (@ClinicalJose) August 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/jakdelaney_97/status/898588529688752128
Gareth Barry at The Arsenal 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Karen Russell (@Kazza9668) August 18, 2017
Hahaha the gift that keeps on giving
— Thomas Kenny (@ThomasKenny18) August 18, 2017
