This summer, Aston Villa were interested in signing winger Harvey Barnes, but he was never their primary priority.
That’s according to a Daily Mail report outlining the club’s plans for the remainder of the summer transfer window.
After a spectacular first season under the Spaniard, Unai Emery’s revolution at Villa Park is well begun.
Few anticipated him to finish in the top half when he took over from Steven Gerrard following their 3-0 loss to Fulham.
He did, however, skilfully guide Aston Villa to a remarkable seventh-place finish, with a Europa Conference League campaign looming.
As a result, Emery must assemble a group capable of competing both at home and in Europe.
Youri Tielemans has signed on a free transfer from Leicester City, but he will not be accompanied by his former teammate.
That’s because, despite being a target for Aston Villa, Harvey Barnes appears to be on his way elsewhere.
This will not be the club’s biggest loss, as he was never regarded their first-choice player this summer.
Aston Villa’s prime target was never Barnes.
According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa ‘desperately’ want a wide man this summer.
They looked into Harvey Barnes and Brennan Johnson, but neither was their first pick.
Instead, Barnes looks set to be heading to Newcastle United instead.
The £35m-rated attacker will be playing in the Champions League next season if a deal gets over the line.
Aston Villa have been linked with Wilfried Gnonto this summer after Leeds United were relegated.
Ibrahim Adel is another player currently on their radar, although no move looks to be very advanced at this stage.
Villa could have significant backing in the transfer window, but entering a bidding war to sign Barnes when he’s a target for the likes of Newcastle doesn’t make sense.
He’s a fantastic, Premier League-proven player, but there are plenty of other options out there right now.
In his short time at the club, Unai Emery has shown he knows what he’s doing and fans will be happy to back whatever decision he makes this summer.
Leave a Reply