Newcastle United's 2024/25 campaign hasn't been the way they would have wanted so far. Being winless from the last 4 PL matchdays, the Magpies club now finds itself in the 9th position, struggling to get points. While certainly, the poor form of the club's big names has been a major influencing factor in the club's recent situation, their poor transfer window performance has been haunting them till now.
£38 million star forward could be on Newcastle's exit list in January
Losing to materialize Marc Guehi and Anthony Elanga's deals in the summer, apart from having the obvious playstyle influence, led to frustration and a tense situation at the club. Although, as reports stated, the Magpies club could seek major reinforcements in the January transfer window, with priority on the right wing, recent sources suggest a Toon star could be on the club's exit list in January.
26-year-old Magpies star Harvey Barnes has been the leading goal scorer for Newcastle in their underwhelming campaign so far, having 3 goals in his 8 appearances. However, a major issue with him is his position, the left wing, which has been preferentially Toon star Anthony Gordon's position. Thus, while Barnes has definitely been decisive this season, his presence has been impacting the side's playing XI balance.
As a result, not only has Barnes' resurgence on the left flank been creating difficulties for Eddie Howe to choose between him and Gordon, it has seen him starting in only 4 matchdays so far. Speaking on the winger's unfavorable situation at the club, journalist Simon Bild mentioned,
"“I’m pretty sure Harvey Barnes is fairly unhappy at the minute in terms of not starting every game and not starting in his favorite position because we know his favorite position is left wing.”"Simon Bild
Moreover, analyzing the situation Barnes currently finds himself in, Bild criticized the Magpies club, who had, by choice, made two massive signings, Barnes for £38M and Gordon for £45M for the same role, which has led to this problem. As a potential solution, Bild suggested Newcastle, who would need money for January reinforcements, might consider selling Barnes in the upcoming transfer window.
However, while Bild's suggestion seems to be an obvious solution, selling Barnes can harm Newcastle's season ahead. Given that the 26-year-old is the only one in form in the Magpies' front line, with other big names, Gordon and Isak, being out of touch, Barnes is the only one who could help come out of their goal scarce in the near future.
Moreover, with the player's versatility in being featured on the right wing, he could still be a better option than Jacob Murphy, who has been unconvincing this season. Overall, although Harvey Barnes' presence could seem to be an issue for some, selling him should be the last option on Newcastle's list in January.