Newcastle United handed major pre-Aston Villa boost as new signing set to make debut

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes for £38million.

The Magpies had a bid accepted for the 25-year-old last Wednesday and less than 24 hours later he was on Tyneside undergoing his medical.

Barnes jetted into Philadelphia over the weekend to meet his new teammates and undergo club media duties.

The winger has signed a five-year contract and will be part of the squad that faces Aston Villa at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium tonight (kick-off 12am).

“I’m delighted. It’s an amazing club and for me it’s a massive opportunity to come and be involved in a successful team that’s doing exciting things, so I’m absolutely buzzing to be here,” said Barnes.

“I think it’s an attacker’s dream to come into a team like this; it’s high-paced, it’s physically demanding, but you can see the rewards of that with the chances and the goals scored, so I think I’ll certainly suit the style.”

The one-time England international made 187 appearances for Leicester. He scored 45 goals and provided 32 assists and was part of the team that lifted the FA Cup in 2021.

Despite suffering relegation last season, the former West Bromwich Albion loanee finished as the Foxes’ top scorer with 13 goals.

Eddie Howe added: “Harvey is an exciting talent who I have admired for a long time so I’m delighted to welcome him to Newcastle United.

“He is strong, quick and very good technically, and he showed last season in particular that he has an eye for goal from wide positions. He will add a different element to our play and we look forward to working with him as we prepare for the season ahead.”

Barnes’ arrival is set to coincide with the departure of Allan Saint-Maximin, who is close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli.

He becomes Howe’s third summer signing following the arrivals of Yankuba Minteh and Sandro Tonali.