Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes set to join Newcastle United

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 01: Harvey Barnes of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 1, 2023 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 01: Harvey Barnes of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 1, 2023 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Newcastle United is not done making acquisitions yet as after signing Sandro Tonali from AC Milan just a few days ago, the club is looking to bring in Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes.

As recent reports have emerged, the club is reportedly closing in on the signing of Barnes and hopes to agree a deal that would bolster the Magpies attacking side.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 28: Harvey Barnes of Leicester City scores the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United at The King Power Stadium on May 28, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 28: Harvey Barnes of Leicester City scores the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United at The King Power Stadium on May 28, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Outside of Newcastle, Barnes has been a key target for other Premier League squads such as West Ham United and Aston Villa, two teams that will be keen on competing with the Magpies next season.

With competition obviously in pursuit of the highly touted winger, the general feeling is that his projected fee is anywhere from £30-50 million. For Newcastle, it looks as though they are targeting a fee just below £40.

For a 25-year-old like Barnes, that fee is not much.

Ever since emerging onto the scene as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young attacking talents, his contributions to any given club has been known.

He is often recognized for his blistering pace and incredible dribbling ability, being a constant threat to opposition defenses. His direct style of play allows him to break through defensive lines, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

For the Magpies, this type of play is needed alongside both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. Those two provide very consistent play when shooting and moving with the ball, while Barnes would provide the opposite as he can slide around off-ball.

Newcastle’s attack has often lacked penetration and dynamism, and Barnes would inject much-needed energy into their forward line.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Newcastle striker Alexander Isak heads at goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park on May 18, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Newcastle striker Alexander Isak heads at goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park on May 18, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Barnes’ versatility is another attribute that would make him a valuable addition to Newcastle’s squad.

He’s capable of playing practically anywhere across the front line and can seamlessly slot into multiple positions. Whether deployed as a winger, an attacking midfielder or even a second striker, Barnes has the technical ability and tactical understanding to excel in an offense like Eddie Howe’s.

This adaptability would give Newcastle United the flexibility to experiment with different formations and strategies, providing a significant advantage against various opponents.

Bringing in Barnes would also go a long way toward addressing the Magpies’ issue of goal-scoring.

He has consistently showcased his ability to find the back of the net, amassing an impressive goal tally at a relatively young age. In the previous season, he knocked in 13 goals and one assist for Leicester City.

With his intelligent movement and clinical finishing, he would significantly enhance Newcastle’s attacking options.

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In the coming weeks, it looks like the Magpies are going to continue their rampage into becoming one of the best teams in the world, and Barnes would be a big help in doing so.