West Ham could have last laugh after Newcastle United complete Harvey Barnes signing
Newcastle have officially announced the signing of one-time West Ham target Harvey Barnes from Leicester City on a five-year-deal.
The announcement means that West Ham have officially missed out on the winger who they had been previously linked with during this summer transfer window. Earlier in the month, The Guardian reported online (5 July) that David Moyes’ side were exploring a move for the 25-year-old.
However, it has now been confirmed that it is the Magpies who have secured the services of the Englishman, after agreeing a £39million deal with the Foxes (Sky Sports, 23 July).
Barnes represents a brilliant bit of business for Eddie Howe’s side and, on the surface, it seems as if the Hammers have missed out by not pulling the trigger on the deal. Last season, despite Leicester getting relegated, the forward still managed to score 13 goals and register one assist.
He has vast experience in both the Premier League and European competition, as well as having represented England. Overall, during his time in the East Midlands, he scored 45 goals and provided 32 assists in 187 appearances, which is a very positive return.
Therefore, it seems like good business on the surface, although West Ham could yet have the last laugh as they close in on the signing of a different, much younger winger.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who provided an update via Twitter (20 July), the club are set to complete the signing of Manchester City Under-21 star Carlos Borges for a fee of around £14million.
Borges is a very different prospect to Barnes and will be much more raw, while the latest Newcastle recruit is entering the prime years of his career, but it could still work out for the East London club in the long run.
Borges is certainly a huge talent for the future and could really kick on at West Ham. Last season the 19-year-old tore up Premier League Two, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 24 appearances, and while he is yet to make his first-team debut, his numbers at academy level certainly suggest he can make the step up.
In total, the Portuguese forward has scored 55 goals and provided 42 assists at academy level, frightening numbers that demonstrate that West Ham could be set to have a real talent on their hands.
Although Borges poses a much bigger gamble than Barnes, the upside of the transfer is far greater, and when comparing the £14million and £39million price tags, as well as both players’ ages, West Ham could well and truly have the last laugh.
In other West Ham news, an update has been provided on the pursuit of the Manchester City sensation.