The wages are indeed high. Even half of his salary is more than we'd want to pay for a loanee.
However, we've lost Neville and Hitzlsperger over the summer, both experienced CM cover. Added to Osman's limitations and Gibson's recent injury record, we're in urgent need for two central players. Barry's a good option for one. Up until this summer he's been first choice for City, so we'd be deluding ourselves if we thought he wouldn't play regularly for us.
However, we've lost Neville and Hitzlsperger over the summer, both experienced CM cover. Added to Osman's limitations and Gibson's recent injury record, we're in urgent need for two central players. Barry's a good option for one. Up until this summer he's been first choice for City, so we'd be deluding ourselves if we thought he wouldn't play regularly for us.