Newcastle United could use Harvey Barnes as a makeweight in a deal to sign Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, according to Mail Sport.
The Magpies are said to “like” Ramsey, and reports suggest the Villans may be forced to cash in on the 23-year-old due to financial concerns. The versatile Englishman is open to leaving to become a regular starter, which he hasn’t been this season, amid Unai Emery preferring the likes of Morgan Rogers and Marco Asensio.
Barnes’ own future is uncertain amid struggles for consistent game time at St James’ Park, where he’s started 14 of 30 Premier League games. The 27-year-old is behind Anthony Gordon in Eddie Howe’s pecking order, and in January, Villa are one of several top-flight clubs interested in signing him this summer.
Newcastle & Villa Could Strike Ramsey-Barnes Swap Deal
The English duo want more game time
Barnes has proven a useful option for Howe this season, especially in the Carabao Cup final when Gordon sat out the victory over Liverpool due to suspension. He’s put up impressive numbers for a player playing second fiddle to Howe’s first-choice left-winger and could be keen to be handed more assured game time.
Villa’s financial situation has led to speculation over a potential swap deal involving the two English compatriots. Craig Hope wrote in his Newcastle Confidential column:
“The word in the game is that Villa will have to sell at least one. Newcastle like Jacob Ramsey, but could they afford to spend a decent chunk of their budget on a midfielder? I’m not so sure, unless the deal was manufactured in a way to suit all parties. One to watch, especially amid the Barnes interest.”
|
Jacob Ramsey vs Harvey Barnes (Premier League 2024-25) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Player: |
Ramsey |
Barnes |
|
Appearances (starts): |
27 (18) |
30 (14) |
|
Goals: |
1 |
9 |
|
Assists: |
3 |
4 |
|
Big chances created: |
5 |
8 |
|
Key passes: |
0.8 |
0.8 |
|
Balls recovered per game: |
2.9 |
1.6 |
|
Successful dribbles: |
0.9 (71%) |
0.7 (43%) |
|
Ground duels won: |
2.9 (60%) |
1.9 (46%) |
Barnes has been with Newcastle since the summer of 2023, when he arrived from Leicester City in a £39m deal. He has three years left on his contract at St James’ Park, while Ramsey’s current Villa deal expires a year before.
Ramsey is in demand and the Magpies could face competition from Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur for the 16-cap England U21 international. The Villans are thought to be demanding around £50m for their academy graduate who was hailed as “unbelievable” when breaking into the first-team.
All statistics courtesy of SofaScore – correct as of 09/05/2025.
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