Newcastle fulfil ‘attacker’s dream’ by completing signing on five-year deal to delight Eddie Howe
Harvey Barnes (pic via Newcastle United)
Newcastle United have announced the signing of Harvey Barnes on a permanent transfer from Leicester City.
Newcastle have not disclosed the transfer fee they have paid for Barnes, but have confirmed his contract will last for five years. The winger has therefore made an immediate return to the Premier League after suffering relegation with Leicester.
Upon the confirmation of his move, Barnes explained why it is such an exciting opportunity to join Newcastle after their qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Barnes told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted. It’s an amazing club and for me it’s a massive opportunity to come and be involved in a successful team that’s doing exciting things, so I’m absolutely buzzing to be here.
“I think it’s an attacker’s dream to come into a team like this; it’s high paced, it’s physically demanding, but you can see the rewards of that with the chances and the goals scored, so I think I’ll certainly suit the style.”
Barnes scored 13 Premier League goals for Leicester last season, which was the first time he had managed to hit double figures in a top-flight campaign.
Reports have suggested Newcastle have spent around £38m in order to bring him to St. James’ Park.
Howe secures long-term target for Newcastle
For head coach Eddie Howe, Barnes will be an extremely useful asset to his attack.
Howe added: “Harvey is an exciting talent who I have admired for a long time so I’m delighted to welcome him to Newcastle United.
“He is strong, quick and very good technically, and he showed last season in particular that he has an eye for goal from wide positions.
“He will add a different element to our play and we look forward to working with him as we prepare for the season ahead.”
It has been expected that Barnes will effectively replace Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle after the existing Magpies winger became the subject of a potential move to PIF-owned Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
