John Barnes believes Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire 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 defender 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 only came on as a late substitute when his side defeated Newcastle 2-0 in the Carabao Cup Final in February.
There have been rumors that Erik ten Hag may allow the 55-times capped England defender to leave this summer, with Newcastle identified as a likely destination as Maguire attempts to rejuvenate 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 fantastic signing for Newcastle,” he stated. He’s English, a key player for the national team, and a good signing for Newcastle if it happens. Maguire will fare better at Newcastle, in my opinion.
“Of course, you look at him when he plays for England, and of course, Harry always plays, and Gareth Southgate loves him in the team.” It simply hasn’t worked for him at Manchester United, and if it doesn’t, it will be tough for the fans to support him. Once he has this perception, no matter how well you perform for England or elsewhere, it will be impossible for him to perform at Man Utd.”
