Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire, according to John Barnes, would be a “great signing” for Newcastle United as they prepare to compete in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
The former Sheffield United and Hull City center-back has had a difficult season at Old Trafford, with only eight Premier League starts for the Red Devils due to the form of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane. Maguire did make eight more starts in tournaments, but he was just a late substitute when his side defeated Newcastle 2-0 in the Carabao Cup Final in February.
There have been reports that Erik ten Hag may allow the 55-cap England defender to leave this summer, with Newcastle suggested as a likely destination as Maguire attempts to revitalize a club career that has stalled over the previous year.
Barnes, who scored seven goals in 41 games for Newcastle during an 18-month stint on Tyneside in the late 1990s, has argued that a move to St James Park would benefit both the player and the Magpies.
“I think Harry Maguire would be a great signing for Newcastle,” he stated. He’s English, a key player for the national team, and if the deal goes through, he’d be a good addition for Newcastle. Maguire will do better at Newcastle, in my opinion.
“Of course, you look at him when he plays for England, and Harry always plays, and Gareth Southgate loves having him in the team.” It simply hasn’t worked for him at Manchester United, and if it doesn’t work, it will be tough for the fans to support him. Once he has this perception, no matter how well you do for England or elsewhere, he will find it impossible to perform at Manchester United.”