In a recent tweet, journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that Newcastle United are set to land Leicester City star Harvey Barnes soon. It has been stated that the Magpies are in advanced talks to sign the English winger for under £40m this summer.
Newcastle closing in on Harvey Barnes, as @Matt_Law_DT first called.
West Ham, Aston Villa and Spurs (pre-Manor Solomon) have all looked.#NUFC hoping for under £40m and talks are advanced.🦊 pic.twitter.com/ZH9p8d2XX9
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 8, 2023
Barnes’ Struggles At The King Power Stadium Last Season
Barnes experienced a tough season at the East Midlands club as he failed to help them avoid relegation from the Premier League. The 25-year-old did well to find the back of the net 13 times and earn three assists in 40 matches for the Foxes in the previous campaign across various competitions.
The English sensation was a consistent performer on the attacking third of the pitch based on his average of 2.1 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. However, he was far from convincing when distributing the ball in the opponent’s half after completing only 73.5% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the King Power Stadium will expire in 2025. However, Leicester’s relegation could open the door for Newcastle United to get him on board this summer.
Will Barnes Be A Good Signing For Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe?
Barnes has got the pace to cause a lot of headaches for his marker out on the flanks. The English talent can be an unstoppable force out in the wide areas when he is playing at the top of his game. He is primarily a left-sided wide player but can also function as an attacking midfielder if needed.
Barnes can strike the ball with power from long range and has got the vision to cut open the opponent’s defence with a killer pass in the final third. However, the Leicester ace has to figure out a way to improve his productivity in the opponent’s half.
Barnes would add more firepower to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s frontline. He is good enough to rival Allan Saint-Maximin at the Tyneside club next season.
Thus, the English wing wizard would be an excellent signing for the Magpies to pull off during this summer transfer window. He already knows the Premier League well by now and won’t take any time to settle into life at St. James’ Park.
