Leicestershire residents’ thoughts on Leicester CityAs Harvey Barnes completes his move to Newcastle United, another young academy product prepares to step up to the plate
The feeling is bittersweet as Harvey Barnes completes his transfer from Leicester City to Newcastle United.
The winger, who grew up in the south Leicestershire village of Countesthorpe, joined the club when he was nine years old and is now moving on 16 years later.
Relegation last season tainted those years, which accounted for about two-thirds of Barnes’ life. Barnes, as a member of that squad, must share responsibility; he cannot be held totally responsible for the club’s demise. He also cannot be faulted for the timing of his departure.
When a fandom faces the heartbreak of relegation, there are frequently attempts made out of rage to pick holes and discover flaws in players. Barnes, like many of his teammates, has been unfairly chastised on social media.
Many people who have known Barnes professionally and personally have nothing but positive things to say about him. He has always been passionate about Leicester City and, while not always the most outspoken or animated, wears his heart on his sleeve.
With relegation wage cutbacks throughout the squad and fatherhood just months away, no one can blame a young guy for wanting to provide the best financial support for his family. And every young footballer wishes to play in the Champions League.
You can’t blame Leicester for wanting to sell for £38 million, with a possible increase to £40 million. Because Barnes is an academy graduate, that will be classified as pure profit under Financial Fair Play. A significant portion of those money will be invested on the squad overhaul supervised by Enzo Maresca.
Barnes has handled his exit well, both privately and publicly. In recent years, City has seen examples of players who handled their exits poorly, and Barnes is not one of them.
While part of the funds will be spent on the squad, there may already be a player on the books who can fill Barnes’ shoes.
The next generation of academy graduates is poised to take the lead. Will Alves is a young guy who could soon fill Barnes’ number seven shirt. Alves is well on his path to the top while currently recovering from a major ACL injury suffered last season.
Many regard him as the club’s most exciting young player, possibly alongside Sammy Braybrooke. The England under-18 international has already made his first-team debut.
On his best day, his deadly, quick feet may easily breach defenses. When he’s at his best, he’s a thrill to watch and has the potential to play senior football. With a highly regarded coach like Maresca at the helm, the drop to the Championship could be a blessing in disguise.
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