Leicester City has lost some big time players this transfer window, such as James Maddison and Youri Tielemans. However, the sale of Harvey Barnes is hitting the hardest. The 25-year-old is now on his way to Newcastle United. Newcastle just finished in the top four and qualified for the Champions League; in need of some top quality players, they’ve found one in Barnes.
The sale of Barnes is so emotional because he has always been one of us. Barnes joined the Leicester City youth academy in 2007. I was just five years old when he joined the team! Even though he went out on a couple of loans, he was always a Fox. He simply gave us everything we could ever need from a winger. He gave the squad goals, assists, and skills. In his 146 appearances in the Premier League, he contributed 35 goals and 25 assists. The Magpies have a star who may well change their squad.
With a player we were so emotionally invested in, we have to give him a proper goodbye. So here are three of Harvey Barnes best moments as a Leicester City player:
Goal vs Sheffield United 2019
Barnes scored a ton during his tenure with the Foxes. It was challenging for me to pick my favorite goal of his. He has certain goals that meant more towards the success of the East Midlands team. However, this one is my favorite when it comes to pure technique.
It was the start of the 2019 season when Leicester was against Sheffield United. The game was tied at one a piece when Christian Fuchs sent a cross into the box. Çağlar Söyüncü had a failed header attempt that sent the ball towards the edge of the box.
Barnes then volleyed the ball into the top right corner to give Leicester the lead. It was such a difficult shot that Barnes made it look easy. Brendan Rodgers’ side would go on to win that game 2-1. Making 36 Premier League appearances that season, Barnes contributed six goals and eight assists for the squad.
Goal vs Aston Villa 2023
This goal perfectly describes Barnes and why he is so adored by the Leicester City faithful. When the Foxes were at their lowest, the Englishman was still performing at his highest. It was hard to find a player giving the team his full effort this past season. Yet, Barnes was doing that.
If Newcastle fans were to ask me for a clip that describes Barnes the best, it would be this one. Wout Faes sent a beautiful long ball to Barnes on the wing. Then, in just one touch, Barnes dusted Ashley Young. He was then left in a challenging situation as he was on the far left side of the box, Ezri Konsa was approaching him, and Emi Martinez had covered the near post.
With all of these factors playing against Barnes, he still found a way to score. He would angle his shot and slam it into the bottom right corner, giving Leicester the equalizer they were looking for; typical Barnes fashion. The 25-year-old doesn’t just score goals, he creates parity – a priceless attribute. Leicester went on to lose this game thanks to Wilfred Ndidi. Yet this goal showcased Barnes giving it all to a team who wasn’t. Barnes scored the most goals for the East Midlands team last season with 13 EPL goals.
Back-to-back season of highlights for Leicester City vs Manchester United
In the 2020/2021 & 2021/2022 seasons vs Manchester United, Barnes gave us two viral clips; each showcasing his strengths differently. In the first game, Barnes was on the top left corner of the box when he was surrounded by Scott McTominay and Eric Bailey. Barnes then sent a shot at the post which gave David de Gea no chance at saving it.
Then the following season, Barnes embarrassed United again. This time, he did it with his skill moves. After receiving a pass from Timothy Castagne, the former would not only embarrass United, but embarrass McTominay again. Barnes would nutmeg McTominay and then would continue his run into the box, having his shot deflected from outside the box.