With West Bromwich Albion confirming yesterday that we had completed the loan signing of Harvey Barnes from Leicester City, a number of fans did choose to express their concerns about what this might mean for our own Academy lads – especially if this wasn’t the only short-term capture that head coach Darren Moore had got planned for the summer transfer window.
West Brom Complete Leicester Signing – Youngster Arrives On Loan
The 20-year-old winger arrives on a season-long loan spell and he has previous Championship experience from a half season long spell out with Barnsley last season. He made 20 starts and five more showings from the bench in the first half of the 2017/18 campaign, scoring five goals.
With a warm welcome from most fans, it must be said nobody was really against the lad per se, they just felt that he would hold one of our own youth back and we would be training up a Leicester player at the expense of one of our own.
As others pointed out, with James McClean heading out to Stoke City, he provides a body and some experience as cover taking the pressure off our young wide players as they hopefully make their own way this season.
What does he sing mate?
— John Turner (@JohnTur34) July 24, 2018
My bad I meant winger????????
— BishBoshWarren (@BishBoshWarren) July 24, 2018
Signed a 4 year deal for Leicester at the same time- hoping he hits the ground running because if he doesnt theres question marks over what we're playing at seen as we will never be able to sign him
— James (@hansworth254) July 24, 2018
Kyle Edwards ripping pre season up- give him a go
— James (@hansworth254) July 24, 2018
He plays both- hes been used on the left wing by his loan club- bloke can play LW and CAM
— James (@hansworth254) July 24, 2018
Shoulda gave Leko a chance
— Nath???????????????????????????? (@NateOJackson) July 24, 2018
Is this a joke ? We've got Jon Leko yet we showcase other clubs talent? Probably a class player but come on shouldn't we look after our own ?
— Nath???????????????????????????? (@NateOJackson) July 24, 2018
Very very disappointing signing. We have our own talented young wingers we should develop. We have dropped so low we are now a feeder club for Leicester City! Really dispointed. Sign him or don't but don't loan him to create a player for someone else.
— Adam Kidson (@adamkidson_) July 24, 2018
Future is youth….
It's about time for us and many of our younger players, move on, with the eye and mind of some experienced players to add balance and nous..
Good days ahead and welcome @harveybarnes97 to the Baggies…— Andy Caulton (@AndyfromNewHamp) July 24, 2018
If he has the same impact with you lot as he did at MK Don's and Barnsley then he'll be your player of the season which surely you'd take regardless of whether there's no option to get him off us permanently? You want an instant return to the Prem.
— BeanMalpass (@BeanMalpass) July 24, 2018
I'm sure they'll have there chance, but we need depth for a long season ahead.
— Hamza Darby (@hamzadarby) July 24, 2018
Shouldn’t Leko be getting a look in yet? Or Burke? ????????♂️ give me strength….
— Russ Inns (@RussInns) July 24, 2018
Leko failed at Bristol. He obviously isn’t the answer yet ffs
— P.M@Geordiebaggie (@Geordiebaggie) July 24, 2018