Harvey Barnes has reaffirmed his importance to Newcastle United.
The 27-year-old was a surprise starter on Saturday, taking Anthony Gordon’s place on the left wing as Newcastle lost 4-2 to Brentford.
It was an interesting 73 minutes for Harvey Barnes, who was able to make a disastrous error and atone for it in the same half of football.
The winger was to blame for Brentford’s second goal, even if Alan Shearer criticised Fabian Schar’s defending. The initial mistake came from Barnes, who gave the ball away incredibly cheaply in a dangerous area.
But he made up for it four minutes later, with a beautiful finish inside the box with his right foot making it 2-2. Barnes rectified his mistake with his fifth goal of the campaign, equalling his tally from last season.
Harvey Barnes’ transfer message to Eddie Howe
The £39million man’s goal against Brentford comes after he was linked with a move away from St James’ Park.
It was reported last week that Newcastle could contemplate selling Barnes, as the club aims to improve its PSR position.
Newcastle United will be able to buy more players and enhance their squad by becoming better sellers, which is why it was suggested that Barnes – someone who is not a regular starter – could be moved on.
However, the former Leicester City man proved to Eddie Howe that he should be retained. While he is not a regular starter, he is someone who has always been decisive for the Magpies. His impact in the final third is sensational. For example, that goal against Brentford was a really high quality finish.
In Barnes, Newcastle have an outstanding alternative to Anthony Gordon. While Gordon is a key player on Tyneside, he cannot play every minute of every game. Newcastle need starters and finishers, and that is what they have got on the left.
With £39million invested, Howe would ideally like to start both Gordon and Barnes. However, one of them is nullified when asked to operate down the right.
That problem has raised questions about Newcastle’s decision to bring in Barnes last year, while the right wing has remained neglected.
That is certainly an issue, but the Magpies’ overall aim will be to have two high quality options in each position. They have that on the left, which is a testament to Barnes and the impact he is consistently able to have.
If Newcastle are contemplating selling Barnes in 2025, they should think again.
Perhaps Barnes could be Newcastle’s PSR solution
Alternatively, Barnes’ impressive performances are exactly the reason why they should sell him.
Barnes has been one of Newcastle’s better players this season, and would ultimately be able to command a larger fee than a fringe player like Miguel Almiron.
In that respect, Barnes could be the answer to Newcastle’s PSR problem. Cashing in would not weaken Newcastle’s starting XI, while it would allow the squad to become stronger.
And it is not like the Magpies are short of left wing options. Joelinton and Joe Willock can dovetail on that side, while Trevan Sanusi is waiting for his opportunity at the age of 17.
Given how much money they could get for him, it is perhaps no wonder that Newcastle are at least thinking about moving Barnes on, even if he does continue to prove his importance to Eddie Howe.
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