Newcastle United’s depth in attack is certainly different to what it was at the end of last season. It’s been all change in the last few months, losing Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, and replacing them with Nick Woltemade, who has really hit the ground running, and Yoane Wissa, who has been out injured.
They also added Anthony Elanga to their depth out wide. He’s been providing competition for Jacob Murphy on the right wing, with Anthony Gordon still the first choice on the opposite flank.
The England international has been on fire in the Champions League in particular.
Another man who has shone in that competition is Harvey Barnes.
How Barnes’ Champions League numbers compare to Gordon
It has been a fast start to Barnes’ European campaign in 2025/26. He hasn’t been a regular starter under Eddie Howe this term across all competitions, but has made a great impact off the bench.
In particular, his impact on the European stage has been a real standout. Barnes has three goals in as many games, having played just 106 minutes across that trio of appearances. He’s averaging one goal every 35 minutes this season.
Those numbers stack up well against his Magpies teammate Gordon. Their number 10 does have two more goal involvements in the Champions League this season, with five to his name. However, they have come in 265 minutes, and on average, he contributes to a goal every 53 minutes, which is more than Barnes.
The former Leicester City man had a strong impact on the game against Benfica on Tuesday night. Newcastle’s number 11 struck twice off the bench to secure all three points for his side.
His second goal was teed up by Gordon and included some lovely, sharp passing before an incisive finish from Barnes.
The winger has been excellent off the bench this season, although Newcastle have a player coming through who could soon displace him.
The Newcastle sensation who can displace Barnes
Over the last few seasons, there have certainly been some exciting talents come through the academy at St James’ Park. Elliot Anderson is someone who springs to mind, and Lewis Miley is thriving in their first team today.
However, even more exciting than the homegrown pair could be South Korean under-20 international Seung-soo Park. The 18-year-old attacker has already played first-team football for Suwon Samsung Bluewings, and is now on the fringes of the Magpies’ first team after a summer move.
The youngster drummed up a lot of interest when he first moved to St James’ Park. Newcastle’s Academy Director Steve Harper said he is an “exciting” young forward, and Seoul-based writer Seung-mo Lee once explained he is “similar to [Kylian] Mbappe,” which is high praise indeed.
Well, it has been a productive start to the season for the man compared to France’s captain. He’s actually yet to get a goal or assist in eight games for the academy, but has shown plenty of promise.
The 18-year-old has been pulling off passes like this against Mansfield in the EFL Trophy, which highlights his talent.
Some of the numbers he’s been putting up have been excellent, too.
In the game against Mansfield, he completed three out of three dribbles, and in a 45-minute cameo against Union Saint Gilloise in the UEFA Youth League, he created three chances.
Touches
49
33
Pass accuracy
82%
75%
Ground duels won
7/12
5/7
Dribbles completed
3/3
4/6
Chances created
2
3
Howe seems to rate the 18-year-old, having already put him on the bench in the Premier League.
Park was an unused substitute in the season opener against Aston Villa. He also got minutes in preseason with the first team.
The South Korean talent seems to be someone whom the Magpies can get excited about. He certainly has a lot about him, with the ability to beat defenders one-vs-one and create chances in the final third.
With the likes of Barnes, Newcastle have great depth out wide, but Park will be one to keep an eye on for the future.