Aston Villa have joined Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Harvey Barnes from relegation-threatened Leicester City during the summer transfer window.
If you had told us back at the start of 2020 that a Leicester team containing Caglar Soyuncu, Wilfried Ndidi, Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes would be out of the relegation zone on goal difference alone three-and-a-half years later, we’d have been wondering if anything strange had been slipped into your early-morning Wheetabix.
Leicester’s decline is arguably a story of unfulfilled potential, more than anything else. Soyuncu, Ndidi, Tielemans and Barnes – while all have had their moments this term – are pale imitations of the players who formed the spine of a Foxes side who competed for Champions League qualification under Brendan Rodgers not so long ago.
Now, with their contracts expiring, Soyuncu and Tielemans will leave for free. Barnes could follow, according to the Daily Mail.
He still has two years remaining on his contract. But Leicester will more than likely have to consider offers some way below their previous £60 million asking price this summer. Especially if interim boss Dean Smith cannot guide the 2021 FA Cup and Community Shield winners to safety.
Tottenham are interested. So too are Aston Villa, The Mail add.
Harvey Barnes to Aston Villa?
It is no secret that Unai Emery wants a new wide player. One who would represent an upgrade on Bertrand Traore and Leon Bailey. La Liga trio Ferran Torres, Luiz Henrique and Nico Williams have all been linked. But Barnes’ proven track record in the Premier League means he is unlikely to be short of offers.
The 25-year-old has, at least, been one of Leicester’s better performers of late. No one has more than his 10 Premier League goals in 2022/23. An elite-level tactician like Emery could be exactly what Barnes needs. That’s if he is to start producing moments of genuine ‘world-class’ quality – like that gorgeous curling finish against Leeds United back in 2021 – on a more regular basis.
“Barnes is probably one of the biggest talents,” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp once said. “I’m not sure if he is respected or appreciated as much as he should be. He is an unbelievable player to be honest, a proper Leicester product.”
Barnes’ record against Aston Villa, meanwhile, is another reason why many in the Midlands would love to see Emery bring in the one-time West Brom loanee.
Barnes has five goals in 11 games against Villa. Only against Leeds United has he scored more.
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