Harvey Barnes ‘moves closer to Newcastle exit’ after ‘disastrous’ incident
Harvey Barnes may have moved closer to the Newcastle United exit door in the wake of what he did in the defeat to Brentford.
The winger joined the Magpies back in the summer of 2023, when he signed from Leicester City for a fee of £38million (The Guardian).
On the whole, he has impressed since completing his move to St James’ Park scoring some big goals and producing some strong performances.
There have though, been occasions where he has left Newcastle fans frustrated, and after one of those in that loss to the Bees on Saturday (7 December), his future at St James’ Park may be more undertain.
Harvey Barnes blamed as Newcastle collapse vs Brentford
It looks as though the Magpies may have to sell some high-profile players in the January transfer window, if they are to raise funds for new signings for Eddie Howe’s side.
According to the latest reports from i News, Barnes is one of those the club could listen to offers for come the turn of the year.
With that in mind, events at the weekend may have come at a bad time for the winger, if he wants to secure his future with Newcastle.
Shortly before the half-hour mark in that match against Brentford, with the score locked at 1-1, at poor loose pass from Barnes was intercepted by Yoanne Wissa.
The Bees attacker then took full advantage to drive into the area and fire home to put his side back in front in the game.
Speaking about Barnes’ involvement in that goal on live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (7 December, 3.29pm), former England international Michael Dawson was baffled.
He said: “It’s against the run of play, Newcastle have been the better team, they just haven’t been able to capitalise on a few mistakes, a few opportunities.
“This is a disastrous mistake by Harvey Barnes. He gets it in his own half and he goes to play it back to the defender. I don’t know what he’s thinking, he maybe doesn’t see Wissa because… I don’t know what he’s…
“Anyway, Wissa picks the ball up 35 yards out, he keeps driving, driving at the defenders. Fabian Schar backs off, he chops inside on his right foot just outside the 18-yard box, he sends it in that far post. What a finish.”
Eddie Howe’s squad could be set for changes in transfer window
Opportunities have already been limited for the winger this season, with him starting just six of the 15 Premier League games the Magpies have played.
Costly mistakes such as this could also make Howe even more wary about using him again in the future since it may now be seen as more of a gamble.
That could make accepting an offer for Barnes in January more appealing to Newcastle, if that is going to raise funds to sign players who will play a bigger part in the starting XI.
With a contract at St James’ Park until the summer of 2028, there is no guarantee that the winger will be leaving the club any time soon.
But events over the past few days though, have surely made a departure more likely than was previously the case.
In other news, Newcastle’s January transfer plan for Miguel Almiron has been revealed.
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