Barmby was a Tottenham Hotspur trainee after going through the FA's Lilleshall school, and played at White Hart Lane between 1991-95. Coincidentally, Tigers fans are likely to get their first glimpse of Barmby in a black and amber shirt for the first time at the KC Stadium later this month in the friendly with Spurs.
He moved to Middlesbrough in 1995 for £5.25million, but just over a year later he was snapped up by Everton for £5.75m.
The 5'7" midfielder became one of the few players to move from Everton to Liverpool in 2000, and re-established himself in the England squad. The 23 caps to his name include the friendly in Italy that current City boss Peter Taylor was in charge for, and the 5-1 World Cup Qualifier win against Germany. His last cap was the dramatic 2-2 draw with Greece in October 2001 when David Beckham's last minute free kick secured England's place at the last World Cup.
Due to injuries, Barmby started just 23 Premiership games in two seasons at Anfield before Terry Venables signed him for Leeds two years ago for £2.75m. However, after Venables left he failed to establish a place in the first team at Elland Road and went out on loan to Nottingham Forest last season, where he again struggled.
He's looking to kick-start his fortunes by going back to his roots in Hull. He will wear the number 8 shirt, vacated by Jamie Forrester following his move to Bristol Rovers.
Meanwhile, Peter Taylor has ruled out a move for Barmby's former Spurs and England teammate Teddy Sheringham.