HARVEY BARNES

CLUB LEICESTER CITY POSITION MIDFIELDER Value £20m Age 21 Foot Right Height 1.74m Nation England

THE STORY SO FAR: On Leicester’s books since he was nine, Barnes first broke through in 2017, winning MK Dons’ young player of the year award while on loan, the Foxes’ development squad player of the season prize, and the Golden Boot in England’s triumph at the Toulon tournament. A powerful midfielder driving inside from the left wing, he plundered nine goals in 25 Championship games on loan at West Brom, then was recalled in January. IDOLISED: His old man, former York, Burnley and Doncaster forward Paul. “My dad has helped me stay focused,” explains Barnes Junior. “He knows how I must act in and out of football. He knows the commitment needed.” THEY SAID: “It’s just a case of adding to what he has,” says Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers. “He is a wonderful talent. He doesn’t have to get hung up on the goals side of things just yet, but eventually that’s what he’ll be judged on – what he creates and scores.” HE SAID: “I’ve been here so long that it definitely feels like a second home to me now,” says Barnes of Leicester. “I’ll see the same faces every day. Your old coaches you had when you were dead young speak to you about how things are going. It’s great and something the club has been good at, keeping the foundations of how it’s always been.” LINKED WITH: A senior international call-up. Barnes is already a regular at under-21 level and is expected to travel to the European Championship this month. The midfielder’s direct running and eye for goal have stood out within the England setup. DID YOU KNOW? The Burnley-born starlet has a staple song for initiations when he joins a club. “I did the same one on loan at Barnsley and MK Dons, but I don’t enjoy it,” he admits. “I sang Robbie Williams, Angels, both times. Played it safe!” Leicester fans: next month we’ll have an exclusive interview with Robbie Savage