With the summer transfer window moving towards its business end, every European club has been actively involved in preparing their season roster. Newcastle's scenario isn't different, with the club still advancing in the hope of a solid center-back alongside a conventional winger. However, amidst all these, some reports have arrived that sound serious for the club's future.
Barnes demands more game minutes at Newcastle United
As per reports, Newcastle's star winger Harvey Barnes is frustrated after not getting the starter role in the club's season opener against Southampton FC. Even though the English youngster did join in for the second half's action, Barnes believes he had done enough to get the preference in the left-wing role above Gordon.
Not to forget, Harvey Barnes had an impressive debut campaign for the Magpies club last season. Brought in for around £39M: the 26-year-old had 8 goal contributions in his 24 appearances last season. Despite missing a significant part of the 2023/24 campaign due to a foot injury, the winger proved crucial for Eddie Howe's side in his presence.
On top of that, Barnes featured in 5 games for Howe's side during the Preseason and looked convincing for the club's new campaign; however, Gordon, missing most of the Preseason, was named as the starter in the fixture against Southampton FC. What may be Barnes' concern is the fact that Gordon had been on an extended break after the Euros campaign and looked a bit off in the 45 minutes of Preseason, even though he was in the starting XI.
Even though there stands no doubt regarding the perspective that Gordon was pivotal in the club's attack force last season, Barnes coming from a significant run couldn't be overlooked. Being the talented winger he is, Barnes has shown time and again that he could be the starting winger for the club.
Overall, Eddie Howe's staff must intervene in the issue as soon as it gets personal between the two players. For the long season ahead, both Gordon and Barnes are a must for the Magpies squad, and the club can't afford to lose one on transfer. With Bournemouth's challenge coming next up against the Magpies, it remains to be seen how Howe would distribute the playing time between the two.