Aston Villa handed transfer blow after Newcastle United agree £70m deal
Newcastle United transfers: Harvey Barnes has been linked with a move to Aston Villa.
Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes has attracted interest from rival Premier League club Aston Villa in recent seasons.
The 28-year-old scored 16 times in 57 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions last season, with his form rewarded by a return to the England set-up.
Although Barnes doubled his cap total for the Three Lions back in March, he was unable to keep his place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup this summer.
The winger has been on Aston Villa’s radar for some time and, as he enters the final two years of his contract at St James’ Park, Newcastle were previously thought to be open to selling at the right price.
Harvey Barnes’ value to NUFC increases
But Barnes’ value to Newcastle’s squad as things stand has increased significantly following the sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona. The £70million sale of Gordon leaves Barnes as Newcastle’s leading scorer from last season and also the only recognised left winger heading into the 2026/27 campaign.
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As such, unless Newcastle identify and sign a ready-made replacement for Gordon, they won’t entertain offers for Barnes. This will make things more difficult for Villa, who are already operating on a tight budget following UEFA punishment last season. Unai Emery’s side won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League and will be looking to bolster their squad in preparation for another demanding season balancing European and domestic football.