Newcastle boost as classy winger decides he’s ‘keen’ on move, with ‘huge draw’ driving decision
Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes has reportedly decided he’s ‘keen’ on a move to Newcastle United, with Champions League football a ‘huge draw’.
Since the Magpies were taken over by the Saudi Public Investment Fund in late 2021, they’ve made a lot of savvy additions. Those have, generally, not been big-money deals.
Indeed, despite the fact they’ve got a lot of cash to splash, most signings have not been big names.
Given they secured Champions League football for the upcoming season, though, it’s little surprise that their recruitment strategy is a little different this summer.
That’s highlighted in the snare of Sandro Tonali, from AC Milan. The Italian midfielder has long been seen as one of the most promising players in Europe in his position.
The 23-year-old missed just two games in Milan’s triumphant Serie A campaign two seasons ago, scoring five goals and assisting three. He’s clearly a great addition – joining for £52million – and Newcastle have attempted to snare more big names.
They were in the hunt for James Maddison – who’s been one of the Premier League’s best players for the past couple of seasons – but were beaten to the punch by Tottenham.
They’ll be determined to not let that happen in pursuit of other star names.
Barnes keen to join Newcastle
They’ve been in the mix for Maddison’s former Foxes teammate, Barnes, for a while. A recent report stated talks between him and Newcastle are at an ‘advanced’ stage.
The snare will be helped by the desire of Barnes himself.
Indeed, Football Insider reports the winger ‘is keen on making the move’ to the club this summer. That’s due to him feeling the project at St James’ Park is an ‘attractive’ one.
On top of that, the opportunity to play under Howe is seemingly a driver in his decision.
Barnes ready for Champions League chance
Barnes has played in both the Europa League and UEFA Conference League with Leicester. It seems he’s ready for the chance to step up to the Champions League, with the prospect of doing so with Newcastle a ‘huge draw’ in his decision to go there.
It’s said he is ‘keen to play at the highest level possible’.
There seems no reason to suggest he couldn’t succeed at that level. He’s naturally progressed over the past few seasons, following up six goals and 10 assists in the Premier League two seasons ago with 13 goals and an assist last season.
Barnes has also scored three times in eight Europa League games, and scored twice and assisted twice in eight games in the Conference League.
With that being said, he could certainly make the step up to the higher level with the Magpies.
