Harvey Barnes sends message to ‘greedy boys’ Botman and Willock at Newcastle
Harvey Barnes sent a humorous message to Sven Botman and Joe Willock as Newcastle United prepare for the 2025/26 campaign.
Eddie Howe‘s side suffered from multiple first-team injuries during last season, but even despite that, the Magpies beat Liverpool to the Carabao Cup title and claimed a Champions League spot.
The former Bournemouth figure is clearly eager to achieve more, with Anthony Elanga closing in on a move from Nottingham Forest, while a number of exciting transfer links stack up at St James’ Park.
Deals for Joao Pedro and Jarell Quansah have both been missed, and Newcastle are unlikely to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, but Football Insider understands that Jack Grealish could still be signed.
Supporters are excited for the 2025/26 campaign, and rightly so, but much more business needs to be done before the Magpies can take their success any further domestically or in Europe.
Harvey Barnes fit and ready at Newcastle United
Taking to Instagram stories (10 July), Barnes wrote: “Some greedy boys fighting for the inside lane, Sven Botman and Joe Willock,” with the trio staying fit ahead of the new season.
Eddie Howe to aim higher at St James’ Park
Football Insider verdict
Ending a 70-year trophy drought will live on in the history books for the foreseeable future, with Howe now a much-loved figure at St James’ Park due to the team’s performances under his leadership.
However, there is room for so much more improvement if the manager is given enough backing from the boardroom, making additional signings once Elanga’s deal is announced this summer.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Howe is a big fan of Conor Gallagher, currently of Atletico Madrid and formerly of Chelsea, which would help reinforce the midfield.
Football Insider also understands that £30million could be accepted for Leonardo Balerdi, with Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, and Botman needing some back-up in the centre of defence.
Of course, keeping hold of the likes of Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali will be key to the club’s success next season, but there is little movement in respect to their exit links so far.
Howe needs to be given more support if he is to continue building the team at his disposal, and with the Elanga deal almost over the line, it will be the boardroom’s chance to show their cards.