Anthony Gordon has arrived in Barcelona to finalise a €70 million (£69.3m) transfer from Newcastle United to the Spanish champions. The 25-year-old forward flew to the Catalan city to undergo a medical ahead of his switch to Spotify Camp Nou.
Sources indicate that Barcelona were keen to complete the deal before the World Cup, where Gordon is expected to represent England. Talks between the clubs accelerated this week, with Gordon‘s agent travelling to Barcelona to meet with sporting director Deco earlier in May.
Bayern Munich and Liverpool had also expressed interest in the forward, with the German champions reportedly approaching Newcastle. However, Gordon himself was keen to join Barça, prompting the La Liga side to intensify their pursuit as they aim to reshape their attack for coach Hansi Flick next season.
Gordon’s European form catches the eye
Barcelona are reportedly convinced about signing Gordon, believing there is more to come from the forward. Coach Hansi Flick, who has previously described Newcastle as an “intense” side, places significant importance on players’ work rate alongside their flair.
Gordon’s goal return in the Champions League particularly caught the attention of Barça and fellow suitors Bayern Munich. Although some of his goals came from penalties, he scored 10 times in 12 Champions League appearances this season. This contrasts with his Premier League record, where he contributed six goals in 26 games.
According to Opta data, Gordon has demonstrated a significantly better shot conversion rate in the Champions League (38.5%) compared to the Premier League (12.5%) during the 2025-26 season. He also averaged more shots, touches in the opposition box, and attempted more dribbles per 90 minutes in Europe.
His goal or assist average in the Champions League was one every 64 minutes, compared to one every 227 minutes in the Premier League. This difference is attributed partly to the level of opposition but also illustrates Gordon’s tendency to elevate his game in European competition.
Impact on other transfer targets
The arrival of Anthony Gordon does not necessarily rule out a return for Marcus Rashford, who spent the previous season on loan at Barcelona. Barça have an option to make Rashford‘s move from Manchester United permanent for €30 million, though sources suggest the situations are separate.
Despite both players preferring to play from the left, a position also occupied by Raphinha, it is understood that signing Gordon does not close the door on Rashford. However, it could complicate matters unless there are significant departures from Barcelona‘s forward line.
Barcelona have also reportedly opened talks to sign Julián Álvarez, with an agreement in place with the Argentine forward, though Atlético Madrid are expected to reject a €90 million offer. Club sources insist Gordon’s signing is separate from their pursuit of a new No. 9 to replace the outgoing Robert Lewandowski.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are understood to be nearing a €17 million deal for goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims. Sporting director Ross Wilson is also pursuing other targets, including midfielder Arthur Atta from Udinese.
Former Newcastle teammate Matt Ritchie noted Gordon’s ambition, stating, “Knowing Ant how I know him, he dreams big, he thinks big and you can see with his personality on the pitch. He became a team player but will always have that edge and controlled arrogance, which all these top players have, so I’m not surprised he’s moving on to a club with the stature of Barcelona.”
José Mourinho, formerly Benfica’s manager, once told Gordon after a match, “You are too much,” a compliment Gordon valued highly. The forward’s directness and intensity are expected to be key components of Hansi Flick‘s plans at Barcelona.
Gordon‘s move comes as Newcastle face potential sanctions from Uefa for breaching European spending rules, leading to an acceptance that player sales may be necessary for a squad rebuild. The club has begun positioning itself as a stepping stone to greater opportunities for its players.
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