Journalist suggests ‘unhappy’ Newcastle star could now be sold for £45m in January.
Newcastle United’s poor run of form has lowered the mood around St James’ Park.
The buzz and excitement around the new season was already dampened after an underwhelming end to the summer transfer window.
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It seemed as though Newcastle were closing in on a new centre-back and right-sided winger but after a lengthy transfer saga over Marc Guehi and a last-minute bid for Anthony Elanga, the Magpies were left emptyhanded.
Eddie Howe managed to shake off the negativity from the transfer window and picked up some positive results, but performances haven’t been up to scratch and Newcastle have now gone on a run of four league games without a win.
Position Team Played Won Drawn Lost For Against Diff Points
Newcastle
8 3 3 2 8 8 0 12
Goals have been a big problem for Newcastle this season with the lack of investment in the attacking department now taking a toll.
There is now an expectation for Newcastle to spend big in January and improve the starting lineup, but it has been suggested that a major sale could also be on the cards.
Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Newcastle United FC at Craven Cottage on September 2…
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Could Newcastle United sell Harvey Barnes in January?
One of the biggest selection headaches for Howe this season has been Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes competing for the same spot on the left.
It has caused a frustrating lack of balance up front with two of Newcastle’s best players wanting to start on the left while there is an alarming void of quality on the right.
Gordon has consistently been Howe’s preferred starter and he recently extended his stay at Newcastle by signing a long-term contract.
But Barnes has been Newcastle’s top scorer this season and stats also show Barnes has been Newcastle’s biggest creator of chances.
Speaking on The Everything is Black and White Podcast, journalist Simon Bird has now suggested that Barnes could be sold in January.
“I’m pretty sure Harvey Barnes is fairly unhappy at the minute in terms of not starting every game and not starting in his favourite position because we know his favourite position is left wing,” Bird said.
“If you’re Harvey Barnes, you want to play and you’ve got the talent to play, and he’s scored goals this year.
“Now, Newcastle, one of the weird things about the transfers in the last couple of years is they had Anthony Gordon and then they signed Harvey Barnes as well. Why do that? Why spend that much money on two people in the same position?
“That’s what I didn’t quite understand other than Harvey Barnes is a good player.
“So if you’re looking to raise money, will someone take Harvey Barnes off you for £40 million – £45 million? And Newcastle make a profit on him?”
Selling Harvey Barnes would be a huge mistake
It is a bizarre situation Newcastle find themselves in. They find themselves in a goal crisis with only eight scored in eight league games this season, yet their top scorer in the Premier League this season can’t find his way into the starting lineup.
Howe has experimented with Gordon up front and Barnes on the left while Alexander Isak was out injured, but the Swedish star is always going to return to the lineup when fit.
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Newcastle are going to need two quality options in every position and in Barnes and Gordon they have that. Selling the 26-year-old might seem like the easy option but it would also be a huge backwards step.
A new right-sided winger is a top priority in January and that should give Newcastle’s attacking line much more balance. There will be opportunities for Gordon and Barnes to shine this season – it doesn’t have to be a case of one or the other.
