Newcastle United might have something special with Harvey Barnes.
The 26-year-old signed for Newcastle United last summer, arriving from Leicester City for £39million to become one of the club’s most expensive signings ever.
Harvey Barnes had the tough job of replacing fan favourite Allan Saint-Maximin, but I think it is fair to say that the winger has proved it was the right decision to bring him in. However, that is up for debate after what has been a tough first season with the club.
Injury disrupted Barnes’ start to life as a Toon player, with an innocuous foot injury against Sheffield United resulting in him missing 26 games in all competitions. Add in a hamstring injury, and Barnes has been unavailable on 28 occasions during the 2023/24 campaign.
But when he has played, he has been impactful. Barnes ends the year with five goals and three assists, including a header to give Newcastle the lead against Brentford on the last day of the season.
Harvey Barnes reflects on his first season with Newcastle United
It has been a bit of a mixed bag for Barnes, who has spoke to NUFC TV about his first season as a Newcastle United player.
“It’s been a bit up and down, really,” he said.
“The injury problems in the first half of the season then the sort of limited opportunities in the second half of the season.
“It’s been up and down but I still feel like I’ve had some important moments within the season which I’m really happy with. That first taste of this club has been amazing – the fans, being around the team, everything. I’ve loved it.
“It’s been up and down but I’m looking forward to building on that next year.”
Barnes has enjoyed some big moments in a Newcastle shirt
As Barnes says, he has had some special moments in a black and white shirt, despite being limited to 23 appearances in all competitions.
He enjoyed a great debut off the bench against Aston Villa, getting a goal and an assist on the opening day of the season. Fans hoped that was a sign of things to come, but then the injury happened.
After recovering, Barnes was involved in two crucial moments. He got the equaliser in a 4-4 draw with Luton Town, while he also bagged a brace to give Newcastle all three points against West Ham. Barnes’ two goals helped the Magpies come from 3-1 down to win 4-3, with his stoppage time winner sending St James’ Park wild.
That game against West Ham was one of the best of the season, and Barnes is the main reason why.
More to come from Barnes next season under Eddie Howe
But even when he has been fit, Barnes has not had everything his own way. He has spent a lot of time on the bench, with Eddie Howe opting to use him as an impact sub.
That may have frustrated the forward, who has spoke about receiving ‘limited opportunities’ during the second half of the season.
Barnes will hope to have a bigger role next season, and that will hopefully be the case. He is still learning under Eddie Howe, and the likes of Anthony Gordon have proven that it takes time to be a proper success in Howe’s team.
That is why there should be a lot of excitement surrounding Barnes. He has done well at times this season, but is capable of so much more under the guidance of Howe and his coaching staff.
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