'We knew' - Jason Tindall makes Newcastle United transfer admission after £38m deal

Barnes joined Newcastle from Leicester City for £38million in the summer of 2023 but had struggled to nail down a regular spot in the starting XI — until now.

The 27-year-old has started the Magpies’ last five matches in his preferred left wing position after Anthony Gordon was forced to drop out of the team due to suspension. A thigh issue sustained on England duty then further delayed Gordon’s return.

Following four games out, Gordon returned to the matchday squad and was named on the bench for the 4-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday. Competition for places can work two ways, and it appears Barnes used it as motivation after scoring a second-half brace.

With five goal contributions in the same number of games, Barnes is enjoying his best run since arriving. He will hope to add to that tally tonight when Newcastle host Crystal Palace at St James’ Park, where they know a win will take them up to third in the Premier League table, five points inside the Champions League places with six games left to play.

Asked about Barnes’ form, Tindall replied: “I'm certainly not surprised. We knew when we signed Harvey Barnes we were signing a top player. His history and record at Leicester suggested that.

“He's had to be really patient with the form Anthony has been in, but since he's come into the team he's delivered some excellent team and individual performances. I'm really, really delighted for Harvey because he's such a great lad.”

Harvey Barnes reflects on ‘up and down season’

Barnes was making just his second start for Newcastle when he suffered a foot injury in the early stages of the 8-0 win at Sheffield United in September 2023, which would keep him out for four months.

While Barnes has often been in and out of the starting XI, he has still been involved in some key moments. His two goals from off the bench helped the Magpies come from 3-1 down to beat West Ham United 4-3 last March before a stunning strike clinched a 2-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the season.

Then, of course, Barnes last month started at Wembley as Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 to win the Carabao Cup and end their 70 wait for a domestic trophy.

“For me, it was probably mixed emotions,” Barnes reflected. ‘It’s been an up and down season, I’ve obviously not played as much as I would have liked, and all of a sudden there was a chaotic week.

“Bang, bang. I’ve played two games and I’ve won a cup final and you’re there at home with a winners medal. It was a mix of everything, and you do just sit there and try to take it all in. I had a moment to breathe and it was like, “’Wow’.

“That’s how quickly football can change. That’s why you’ve always got to be ready to step in, no matter what your situation is. Before West Ham I hadn’t started in the Premier League for three-and-a-half months.

“You go from not starting to playing in a cup final, and that’s why you have to be ready. If you’re not, then you’re going to be back at square one. Hopefully it showed I was ready to take my chance and I did a job for the team.”

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