Eddie Howe Harvey Barnes Unai Emery, Newcastle Aston Villa
(Credit: Imago / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)
Ben Palmer
Wed 14 May 2025 17:11, UK
Harvey Barnes may well be interested in leaving Newcastle for Aston Villa this summer, according to Chris Waddle.
The former Magpie told Football Insider exclusively that the winger’s ties to the Midlands through his time at Leicester may make a move to the Villains very appealing at the end of the season.
Newcastle consolidated their claim on a spot in next season’s Champions League by comfortably dispatching fellow European hopefuls Chelsea 2-0 on Sunday (11 May).
But with the gap from third, where the Magpies currently reside, to seventh being just four points, Eddie Howe’s side will need at least one more win from their final two games to guarantee their spot in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
However, whilst the main focus between now and the end of the season is finishing in the Premier League‘s top five, attention will quickly switch to the transfer business happening in the North East this summer.
Marcus Rashford Aston Villa
Aston Villa could turn to Harvey Barnes as an alternative to Marcus Rashford. (Credit Imago)
Harvey Barnes linked with Aston Villa switch
Since making the switch from Leicester to Newcastle in the summer of 2023, the left-winger has found it difficult to nail down a starting spot.
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Barnes enjoyed a very fruitful run in the Magpies side midway through the season, following Anthony Gordon’s fitness and suspension issues.
But as the former Everton man finds his feet again, it seems like it’s just a matter of time until the 27-year-old loses his place in Howe’s starting XI.
2024/25 Premier League stats Barnes
Appearances 31
Starts 15
Goals 9
Assists 4
Minutes 1,591
With Newcastle looking to improve key areas of the squad this summer and keen to avoid the same profit and sustainability issues they faced last summer, the ex-Leicester man may be sold to finance those deals, especially if the Champions League race doesn’t fall in Howe’s favour.
Barnes has been linked with a move to Aston Villa and it may be a move that works well for all parties.
The Villains had financial issues of their own last season and have a wage bill that needs slashing, making financing a deal for their loan star Marcus Rashford a tall task.
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon will likely reclaim his spot as the first-choice left-winger soon. (Credit Imago)
Harvey Barnes’ Midlands ties make Aston Villa switch appealing
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, via NewBettingSites.uk, ex-Newcastle star Waddle explained why Barnes may be interested in making the switch to Villa this summer, saying: “I think there could be a possibility of that happening, you know, Eddie Howe, when he likes players and he gets in the players, he wants to keep hold of them, you know.
“[Jacob] Murphy’s had a great year, you know, great season, but players want to play and let’s be honest.
“Aston Villa are a big club so I’m sure Harvey Barnes, who was at Leicester for a long time, you know, maybe still has his house down in the Midlands, might be interested in it.
“Aston Villa will probably nick a Champions League spot, so if the story’s true [Villa interest], then I think it could be a good bit of business.”
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