Newcastle United have signed winger, Harvey Barnes from Leicester City in a £38m transfer.
Barnes’ cut-price move comes just after Leicester were relegated from the Premier League to Championship at end of last season, which triggered speculation over his future as Newcastle beat Aston Villa, Tottenham and West Ham to the 25 year-old’s signature.
Newcastle meanwhile sold Allan Saint-Maximin to Al Ahli in order to fund their move for Barnes, which meant that the winger will play Premier League football for a seventh consecutive season whilst Saint Maximin has left after scoring 13 goals in 124 appearances across the last four seasons.
Barnes will also make his return to the Champions League since he made his debut with Leicester against Porto in December 2016, with the 25 year-old bringing European experience with six goals in 21 appearances in UEFA competitions as Newcastle prepare for their first Champions League campaign in 20 years.
Speaking about his decision to join Newcastle on a five-year contract until June 2028, Barnes commented: “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.”
Manager, Eddie 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.”
Barnes leaves Leicester having scored 45 goals in 187 appearances for the Foxes, during which he contributed one goal in Leicester’s triumphant 2020-21 run to their maiden FA Cup title – although a knee injury in February 2021 against Arsenal prevented his participation in the Final.
The 25 year-old also represents England internationally and has just one senior cap to his name, having made his international debut as a substitute against Wales in a 3-0 friendly win.
Barnes could make his competitive debut for Howe’s Magpies on Saturday 11 August as Newcastle host Aston Villa in a 5:30pm kick-off at St James’ Park live on Sky Sports.
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