In a recent report, The Times stated that Newcastle United are close to recruiting Leicester City star Harvey Barnes this summer. It has been claimed that the Magpies are trying to finalize a deal to bring the English talent to St. James’ Park before the start of the new season.
Barnes’ Difficult Season In The Premier League
Barnes experienced a tough campaign at the King Power Stadium as he failed to help Leicester avoid relegation from the Premier League. Still, the English wide player deserves some credit for putting in a string of impressive displays for the Foxes in the final third.
The 25-year-old banged in 13 goals and grabbed three assists in 40 matches for the East Midlands club last season across various competitions. Barnes did well to average 2.1 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football. However, he was far from convincing when distributing the ball in the final third based on his pass completion rate of 73.5% in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Barnes is under contract at the East Midlands club until 2025. However, Newcastle have every reason to be confident about getting a deal done for him following Leicester’s recent relegation from top-flight football.
Will Barnes Be A Decent Signing For Newcastle United?
Barnes is a great dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make a few driving runs with the ball out in the wide areas. He can shoot the ball with venom and precision from long range. The English talent can even set up some meaningful openings for others around him in and around the opponent’s penalty box. However, he has to find a way to be more lethal in the final third.
Barnes will no doubt enhance the quality of Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s frontline. He would offer some serious competition for Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron for a regular starting spot at St. James’ Park next season.
With all things considered, Barnes would be a dream signing for the Magpies this summer as he could help them challenge across all competitions in the coming years. At 25, he will only get better in the future, so Howe can expect to get the best out of him over the next few seasons.
