Relegated Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes has emerged as a target for Aston Villa this summer.
According to The Guardian, Aston Villa are one of the Premier League clubs interested in securing Harvey Barnes’ services, however, they face stiff competition from Newcastle, West Ham, and Spurs. The Magpies are currently leading the race to complete a deal, but the money West Ham are set to receive from Arsenal for Declan Rice could boost their chances in the pursuit.
The Villans certainly shouldn’t give up on their ambitions to bring in Barnes though. The Midlands side have the carrot of European football to offer and certainly seem like a club on the up. Working with a manager with the pedigree boasted by Unai Emery way also appeal to the 25-year-old winger.
He won’t come cheaply, but given the Foxes’ relegation, his exit seems somewhat inevitable.
Who is Harvey Barnes?
Barnes is a product of the Leicester academy, having been at the King Power Stadium since the age of nine. He gained early experience via loan moves to MK Dons, Barnsley, and West Brom. He has been a first team regular for Leicester since 2019.
He would certainly be a great fit at Villa Park. His directness and dynamism would add potency to Emery’s attack. Barnes is also a creative force, and his ability to cut in from the left and beat his opponent one-on-one is reminiscent of how Jack Grealish used to operate on the flank for the club.
Barnes could prove an inspired belated replacement for Grealish. Former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers certainly believes the once-capped England man has what it takes to make it to the top. He said of Barnes, “I believe he’s going to become a really, really top player…If he can stay injury-free, and get that little bit of luck, you can just see his game coming together.”
