Images from Newcastle United’s return for pre-season suggests that a big change could be on the way for Harvey Barnes.
The majority of Eddie Howe’s players returned to the training ground on Thursday, as Newcastle United kick off their preparations for the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The likes of Joelinton and Joe Willock were spotted at the training ground, while the Magpies’ international players get an extended break. Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes only exited the Euros and Copa America respectively last weekend, while Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon are still in Germany with England. They could make history on Sunday, as the Three Lions face Spain in the European Championship final.
Back on Tyneside, Howe is starting to put his players through their paces ahead of what it is a massively important season.
Harvey Barnes back for Newcastle pre-season
One of those players was Harvey Barnes, who is set for his second season as a Newcastle United player.
Barnes has admitted that his first year was mixed. The winger suffered a nasty foot injury, and was only able to make 23 appearances in all competitions. But he did make his minutes count, scoring five goals and grabbing three assists.
The 26-year-old did it all with the number 15 on his back, but that could change this season.
Barnes potentially changing shirt number
There have already been plenty of changes at St James’ Park this summer, one of which saw Matt Ritchie leave the club.
The 34-year-old is now a free agent, but looks likely to move to the Championship. It was recently reported that Ritchie has received an offer from Sheffield United.
But with Ritchie gone from Newcastle, that means his shirt number is available. Throughout his entire Toon career, Ritchie wore number 11, but now it is vacant.
However, it looks like Barnes could be taking the number on.
The winger has been pictured in Newcastle training this week, and his shirt has the number 11 on it. Now, numbers on training tops are not always completely accurate, but every other Toon player has the right number on their new Adidas jersey. The only players who don’t have numbers are Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy, who have not been assigned numbers yet.
Therefore, it looks extremely likely that Barnes is going to be Newcastle’s number 11 rather than their number 15.
That comes as a surprise, as it felt like the 11 shirt would be reserved for whoever Newcastle sign to play on the right wing. Jarrod Bowen is Newcastle’s top target in that position, and that number would suit him.
But it is Barnes who has claimed it, as he prepares for an important year in black and white. He showed flashes of brilliance during his debut campaign, but it was one that was hindered by injury.
Barnes will be eager to get a strong pre-season behind him, as he aims to really kick on and make an impact at Newcastle United.
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