Concerning claim made after Newcastle sign Harvey Barnes from Leicester

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In the space of just a few hours, Harvey Barnes was confirmed as a Newcastle United player and made his first appearance for the club.

Barnes was immediately thrust into the action, with the 25-year-old playing 20 minutes during the Magpies’ 3-3 draw with Aston Villa out in Philadelphia.

We did not see much from Barnes, but what we did see was exciting. He has got incredible speed, and nearly capped off his first appearance with a goal. Sadly, his curling shot was well saved by Robin Olsen.

But Howe was happy with what he saw from Barnes, whose £38million move from Leicester City was confirmed on Sunday afternoon.

He becomes one of the Magpies’ most expensive signings ever, and a new report has raised questions about the fee Newcastle ended up having to pay.

Concern Newcastle have overpaid for Harvey Barnes

According to the Telegraph, sources in the Midlands believe that Newcastle have overspent on Barnes.

At £38million, it is easy to see why some would jump to that conclusion. In comparison, James Maddison went to Tottenham for £40million. Of course, there were other mitigating factors, but it does seem slightly over he top.

However, that will not matter if Barnes delivers in black and white. And he will have done just that if he can replicate his Leicester performances.

Even during a tough season that ended in relegation, Barnes ended the year with 13 Premier League goals. That is an exceptional tally and one that Eddie Howe would like to see repeated – only this time at St James’ Park.

It is always going to be difficult for Newcastle to get real value in the transfer market, especially when they are buying English players. They traditionally cost more, and Barnes has proven to be no exception.

Combine that with the tax Newcastle have to pay due to their owners and it is almost impossible to get a bargain.

The price tag puts Barnes under some pressure to perform, but hopefully he rises to it.

After making his debut on Sunday night, he will now begin training with his new teammates before making appearance number two against Chelsea as Newcastle’s USA trip rolls into Atlanta.