Ashley Barnes has revealed that Norwich City’s change in approach was the key factor in his decision to leave the club and complete an emotional return to Burnley in January.
With several Championship clubs expressing interest, Barnes opted to rejoin Burnley, where he has since surpassed 300 appearances for the club.
“My agent was speaking to me because we were looking for something in the January window, because my time at Norwich was coming to an end,” Barnes told Sky Sports.
“It was clear for everyone to see. [The manager] had made it clear his plan was to go young, so it was one of those scenarios where we were open to seeing what was about.
Burnley return brings new milestone
Barnes’ return to Turf Moor has seen him play a key role in Burnley’s promotion push, scoring in their emphatic 4-0 victory over Luton Town last weekend. His impact has been praised by manager Scott Parker, who highlighted the leadership and experience he brings to a youthful squad.
“To come back, I think we know and understand what Barnes brings here, he brings a vast experience to a young group, so I see that every day with Barnes in terms of his voice, in terms of the way he is and the way he holds himself,” Parker told the Burnley Express.
“I’m delighted that he got some minutes today and then to top it off just before the final whistle, it was a lovely, well-worked goal and he was there to put it in, so pleased for him.
A career of resilience and success
Barnes started in non-league football with Paulton Rovers before earning a move to Plymouth Argyle in 2007. He gained experience through loan spells at Oxford United, Salisbury City, and Eastbourne Borough before making his mark at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he helped secure promotion to the Championship in 2011.
His most defining years came at Burnley, where he played a crucial role in their rise to the Premier League, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer in the competition. His goal against Middlesbrough in 2023 helped seal Burnley’s latest top-flight promotion before he bid farewell to the club at the end of the season.
Barnes signed for Norwich City in the summer of 2023 but was hampered by injuries. Despite making 35 league appearances in his first campaign, he struggled for game time under Hoff Thorup and made just one league start before his January exit.
Writer’s view
Barnes’ departure from Norwich was a natural outcome of the club’s shift in focus, but his move to Burnley has already proved beneficial for both player and club. His experience and leadership have given Vincent Kompany’s squad an added dimension as they push for promotion.
For Norwich, the decision to prioritise youth is a long-term strategy, but losing a player of Barnes’ character and experience could be felt in key moments.
