As Leicester City’s Premier League survival hangs in the balance, Harvey Barnes has attracted interest from Aston Villa and West Ham. As ironic as it may sound, the 2016 season’s champions are almost as good as relegated. Their future is now much more dependent on Everton than on their final match against West Ham.
Presently standing at 18th position with 31 points, Leicester City will face West Ham United on 28th May for their final encounter while Everton with 33 points and the only other team with chances of being relegated will lock horns with AFC Bournemouth for their final encounter; a comparatively easy game (on paper at least). The only probable scenario for the Foxes to remain in the Premier League will be if they thump West Ham and Bournemouth eases past the Merseyside club. This will take Leicester to 34 points, one over Everton, and out of the relegation zone.
However, this is the unlikeliest of situations which a lot of clubs are aware of. Therefore, teams like Aston Villa and West Ham are already ready with their bids for Leicester City players. One of them being Harvey Barnes.
Villa Park or London Stadium?
The price tag of £50 million is affordable by both West Ham and Aston Villa; two clubs determined to finish in the top 8 in the forthcoming season. The looming threat of relegation over the Foxes means that they would struggle to hold on to Barnes. Harvey Barnes wants to perform in the top tier and fight with the highest-quality clubs.
The 25-year-old has scored 12 goals in 33 games in what has been a disappointing season for Leicester. Looking at his resume and the skills that he possesses, £50 million for Barnes can be termed as a steal.
His price tag however will probably decline if Leicester is demoted to the Championship. Villa and West Ham both need a winger who can run down the flanks at pace and sneak past the defenders with zeal. Both need someone with explosive pace and Barnes can provide the legs required in abundance.
