Harvey Barnes has spoken about Newcastle United's ambitious plans for 2030, with the club's ownership PIF backing a strategy to sign young stars while still pursuing Champions League and trophy success. The Magpies finished 12th last season and missed European football, but Barnes, who signed a contract until 2030, believes they will return to Europe soon.
"There's definitely a lot more to come. As your confidence grows and your role becomes bigger in the team, it naturally comes. So hopefully plenty more to come this year," Barnes said.
Anthony Gordon left for Barcelona in a £69.3m deal, leaving Barnes to fill the void. The 28-year-old joined Newcastle from Leicester for £38m and missed 30 games in his first season due to a foot injury. Since then, he has scored 30 goals in 120 appearances.
Competition and Transition
Barnes will compete with Ivory Coast international Bazoumana Touré, who arrived from Hoffenheim in a £43m deal. Describing the competition, Barnes said: "It is always great within a club to see fresh faces come in. I think everybody can see this summer that it is going to be a transitional period. Players are leaving and new faces are coming in, younger players and it is great to see that fresh energy in the squad."
Barnes acknowledged his own journey: "When I joined, it was a weird start. I had a good start, then struggled with an injury for a few months. It is always hard when you start somewhere. I think since then I have got myself in the team and put in the groundwork, in the last season the rewards have come for that hard work and patience. Last season was really positive, this season I want to build on that. It is really exciting times."
European Ambitions
Barnes scored against Barcelona in the Champions League last season and has experienced Europe's top table twice with Newcastle. Having won the Carabao Cup, he is convinced the club will soon be back in Europe and challenging for trophies again. He said: "Since I have been here, I have had that taste of success and those special nights. It is just wanting more of that, really, and being a key player in doing that. The club. Everyone here wants to push the club onto the next level. More silverware, Champions League nights, year on year building on that. This year will be different with no Europe, but it gives us the platform to really kick on and surmount ourselves for the following season."
