Exciting news is brewing at St. James’ Park as Newcastle United are reportedly on the verge of securing the signature of Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between the two sides are expected to progress rapidly in the coming days, paving the way for Barnes’ potential move to Tyneside. With both parties keen on reaching an agreement, fans are eagerly awaiting further developments in what could be a game-changing acquisition for Newcastle.
A Promising Prospect:
Harvey Barnes, 25, has already given his nod to join Newcastle United, underscoring his desire to ply his trade in the Premier League once again. The immediate focus now lies on determining the financial aspects of the deal, including the transfer fee and payment structure. The negotiations have reached a crucial stage, with an agreement potentially being finalised within the next few days.
Realistic Valuation:
Reports indicate that the proposed fee for Barnes is expected to be in the region of £35 million. However, Newcastle’s opening bid is believed to be around £25 million, as suggested by the Daily Mail. Last summer, Leicester City had placed a valuation closer to £60 million on Barnes. Nevertheless, after selling James Maddison to Tottenham Hotspur for a cut-price £40 million deal earlier this summer, the Foxes’ asking price appears unrealistic. Considering Barnes’ two-year remaining contract, Leicester have some leverage in negotiations, but a valuation of over £40 million seems unlikely given the circumstances.
Barnes’ Impact:
Newcastle United are actively seeking a wide player who can contribute goals and assists, and Harvey Barnes fits the bill perfectly. The winger has been in scintillating form since his promotion to Leicester City’s first team in 2018, directly contributing to an impressive 77 goals in 187 games across all competitions.
Over the past few seasons, Barnes has shown steady improvement, showcasing his ability with six goals and ten assists in the Premier League two seasons ago, followed by an even more impressive tally of 13 goals and an assist last season. This consistent growth indicates his readiness to step up to the next level with the Magpies.
A Perfect Fit:
In addition to Barnes’ undeniable talent, his reported eagerness to work under Newcastle boss Eddie Howe further enhances the allure of this potential move. With Howe having guided the club to Champions League qualification, Barnes sees him as the ideal coach to further his development. Howe’s style of play aligns well with Barnes’ strengths, making the prospect of joining Newcastle an enticing proposition for both parties.
Clearing the Way:
Interestingly, Romano suggests that the completion of this deal may also hinge on player departures. Newcastle United aims to streamline their wage bill and reduce the size of their squad to accommodate Barnes. Several players, including Ryan Fraser, Isaac Hayden, Jamal Lewis, Karl Darlow, Javier Manquillo, and Jeff Hendrick, have been informed that they should seek new clubs. Furthermore, the Magpies are reportedly open to considering substantial offers for star winger Allan Saint-Maximin. These potential outgoings demonstrate Newcastle’s determination to secure the services of Harvey Barnes.
