Pundit shares Harvey Barnes opinion, urges David Moyes to let West Ham shackles off
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie is confident Harvey Barnes will prove a great signing for West Ham provided David Moyes lets the reins off his attackers next season.
Leicester City winger Barnes is thought to be high on the Hammers’ transfer wish list this summer after the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League, with the Guardian reporting he has a £40million price tag on his head.
McAvennie has no doubts about the talent Barnes, who has also been linked with Newcastle United, would bring to the London Stadium.
“I like him, yeah, I do like him. He can play, he can play [well] defensively, he’s a good player,” McAvennie exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“I don’t know what the price range will be for that one [but] Barnes would be a good signing for West Ham, he’s the kind of player that David Moyes likes as well.”
McAvennie has some reservations about West Ham stifling their attacking talent, though.
The 63-year-old, who enjoyed two spells with the Hammers as a player, would like to see Moyes let his attackers play with a bit more freedom, especially given their triumph in the Europa Conference League last season.
“You know he’s [Barnes] another one, they bring all these players in at West Ham and I’m thinking ‘great’ and then they don’t do it,” McAvennie added.
“Harvey Barnes you see him in full flight he’s great to watch. He gets by players if they’re not there, cuts inside them.
“These boys can play, these boys that come in – [players like Lucas] Paqueta, they just want to go and play football.
“So hopefully, David will say ‘right the pressure’s off you, you’ve won a trophy’. Go and let the boys free and go and let them play. Tighten the defence up, do that, but middle to front go and let them play, that’s what I think, it’ll be great if that happens.”
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Conor Gallagher.