Football

He's allowed to leave on a free transfer.

There was perceived to be a brain trust up at NUFC, although they called it a players council (or something similar). This was headed by Nolan, who you may remember left very early doors to go to West Ham.

Barton's a major part of that brain trust, along with a couple others. Initially people though Barton was going to sit out the remainder of his Contract, but he's probably a bit fed up / not wanted by NUFC and they've agreed the Bosman.

NUFC are getting away without compensating the remainder of his contract, and he wasn't going to command a transfer fee as his contract end at the end of the season.

Wages saved, and Barton gets to leave. Everyone's a winner.

Quite possibly the funniest line on this forum.