Harvey Barnes is the latest departure from relegated Leicester City as the club look to rebuild a side capable of challenging in the Championship for an immediate return to the Premier League.
The Foxes fanbase expected their prized assets to be stripped from them this season, with other Premier League clubs hoping to get cu-priced deals for players that may be worth more than what they are being sold off for.
Barnes, follows James Maddison out the door, but has not gone for cheap, with Newcastle paying up to £38 million for the winger. Fans of Leicester knew it would be tough to keep the 25 year-year old at the kings Power stadium, but still feel sad seeing him go, with some even expressing that they see him as being a bigger loss to the side than losing Maddison, who joined Tottenham Hotspur earlier on in the transfer window.
Actually more sad about this than the Maddison departure. However, we need to rebuild (..And he's too good for the league)…. The money from these 2 players gives us some decent clout. We may lose Castagne, Faes, Soumare, Daka, Nacho…. As they are too strong for the league.
— James Edmonds (@Jedmonds86) July 23, 2023
A player who came through the youth system at the club, and made 146 appearances in all competitions, scoring 35 goals, is always going to be missed by the fans, as that connection is different to a player who had been brought in from elsewhere before. But the Leicester fans have given him their blessing to continue testing himself at the highest level, with the majority wishing him well on his departure from the club.
All best best Harvey. Always certain that you would leave as we were relegated. Another £39 mil in the coffers to continue the rebuild.
— Michael Andrews (@forthelostsoul) July 23, 2023
Harvey Barnes the latest English talent to join Newcastle
A fan favourite, Barnes will almost certainly improve Newcastle who have already gone down the route of signing young English talent when they made the £42 million signing of Everton starlet Antony Gordon last season.
With Champions League football on the horizon for next season, the fans welcome any attacking additions like Barnes, as the club lacked a cutting edge at times last season, with most of the Toon Army excited at the prospect of seeing Barnes playing in the famous Black and White Stripes.
A top draw signing that I didn’t think we’d get….. really balances our team and gives proper width. If his Stats remain as they have been it’s a huge boost for us pic.twitter.com/zQQPYgiFRj
— Rob G 009 🥚 (@shearersbuddy) July 23, 2023
Indeed, Barnes comes with a pedigree and an expectation that many may not know about, as he is number 6 in the top goal scorers from open play in the last three season, bagging 27 goals, and only behind such players as Harry Kane, Mo Salah, Marcus Rashford, Heung Min Son and Ollie Watkins.
The move will defiantly help boost Harvey Barnes' chances of adding to his solitary England cap, with fans feeling he can push on and achieve more with the national team in the next few years.
Definitely a good signing. Could see him doing well at Newcastle and fulfilling his potential and pushing for a spot in the England starting line up
— Danno (@manlikedanno) July 23, 2023
But with Barnes leaving for Newcastle and their club seemingly on the up, questions and concerns have been posed about how Leicester will do next season, with more departures expected before the Summer transfer window shuts.
£38 great deal for both teams…. It will be very interesting seeing Leicester in the championship next season.
— IrelandsManc (@IrelandsManc) July 24, 2023
How will Harvey Barnes get on at Newcastle? Will Leicester come straight back up? Let us know what you think