"It's a win-win" - Sky Sports pundit reacts as Burnley seal forward transfer agreement | OneFootball

Don Goodman believes Burnley's capture of Ashley Barnes is a smart addition.

Burnley's second capture of the January window was the re-signing of Ashley Barnes just 18 months after he originally left the club for Norwich City.

Having become somewhat of a modern-day Clarets legend from 2014-2023, it was a welcome return for the experienced striker who was greeted with open arms by supporters of the club.

The transfer came about after Barnes and the Canaries mutually agreed to terminate his contract, having managed just eight appearances under the guidance of Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Now back home at Turf Moor, his on-pitch minutes may be limited, but you can be sure that he will have a big influence off-field in this promotion race.

Don Goodman praises Burnley's Ashley Barnes deal

Speaking via Plejmo.com, Goodman believed it was a good deal for Norwich and Burnley, with the striker not getting the gametime he wanted at Carrow Road.

"I think the fact that Josh Sargent will be returning to fitness will have played a part in Ashley Barnes joining Burnley," Goodman stated.

"I remember speaking with Ashley earlier in the season and he had an injury which was dragging on and he struggled to shake off. He's only started one game for Norwich this season, so he's not been able to make the impact both himself and the club would have wanted. He's now off the wage bill and I'm sure he would have been a relatively big earner having signed on a free transfer.

"He goes back to his club at Burnley. It's a pretty young group at Turf Moor and he'll be able to add experience. Even if he only contributes in a small way on the pitch, I do think he'll have a lot to offer off the pitch and in the dressing room.

"It's a win-win for all parties."

Ashley Barnes delighted with Burnley return

Signing a deal until the end of the season, this move could mark Barnes' final chapter at Turf Moor. Back in his home environment, he is clearly relishing the opportunity to contribute once again to the Clarets' push for promotion.

Speaking about his East Anglian exit and re-signing for Burnley, Barnes said: "It was a proper whirlwind.

"I didn't really know what was happening and then I had a phone call yesterday just to say: 'Look, the Norwich deal is getting terminated, they've agreed everything.'

"Then it was just a matter of choosing somewhere to go and be happy, and obviously that was the situation here. As soon as they knew that that was the situation they acted very quickly and we managed to get it done.

"I'm absolutely over the moon and delighted that this even happened. It's like a dream come true, it genuinely is. I couldn't believe that it actually happened. It's been a stressful few weeks of uncertainty, but I had to choose to come home.

"To be back with my kids now is a massive burden off my shoulders as well, to spend every moment with them as well, and now they can cherish the last six months I have here."

With his family life sorted, Barnes will now be able to focus on helping the Clarets secure promotion. January has a smattering of crucial games against the likes of Sunderland and Leeds United and you wouldn't bet against him making a telling contribution in either fixture.