Barcelona are actively seeking to recruit at least two new forwards this summer, with a need for a left winger and a striker to bolster Hansi Flick’s squad. One player on their shortlist is Anthony Gordon, who possesses the versatility to play in both of these positions, a role he has successfully fulfilled for Newcastle United this season.
Gordon has demonstrated impressive form for Newcastle this campaign, contributing 17 goals and five assists across all competitions. Notably, 10 of his goals were scored in the Champions League, where he faced Barcelona on three occasions, including finding the net in a 2-1 defeat for the Premier League club during the group stage.
Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has reportedly engaged in discussions with Gordon’s representatives. While concerns exist regarding the potential cost of signing him, given Newcastle’s expected high valuation of the 23-year-old, his transfer fee might be more attainable than initially thought. According to Sky Sports, via MD, Newcastle are seeking €90 million, but there’s a prevailing sentiment that a deal could be struck in the €75 million to €85 million range, including add-ons.
Gordon Fits Barcelona’s Requirements
Barcelona are keen to acquire a player with a profile similar to Raphinha, but younger. Gordon, three years younger than the Brazilian international, shares a comparable playing style. He exhibits strong work ethic off the ball and can be a potent attacking threat, as evidenced by his performances in this season’s Champions League.
The ability of Gordon to also operate as a centre-forward is a significant advantage for Barcelona. Their well-documented financial difficulties may limit their capacity to spend heavily on a specialist striker. However, they would face considerable competition from Bayern Munich, who are eager to finalize terms with Newcastle promptly, as the upcoming World Cup is expected to disrupt transfer activities for approximately a month.
English Translation:
Barcelona are in the market to sign at least two new forwards this summer, with a left winger and striker wanted for Hansi Flick’s squad. One of the players on their radar is Anthony Gordon, who is capable of playing in both positions, which he has done so for Newcastle United this season.
Gordon has been in impressive form for Newcastle this season, having racked up 17 goals and five assists across all competitions. 10 of his goals came in the Champions League, where he featured against Barcelona on three occasions, which included scoring in the 2-1 defeat for the Premier League side in the league phase.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has already spoken to Gordon’s representatives, and while there are reservations about signing him due to the expectation that Newcastle will demand a high fee for the 23-year-old, he may not be as expensive as anticipated. According to Sky Sports (via MD), €90m is what the English club are seeking, although the feeling is that a deal can be done for €75m-85m, add-ons included.
Gordon Ticks a Lot of Boxes for Barcelona
Barcelona are keen to sign someone in a similar mould to Raphinha, albeit at a younger age. Gordon is three years the junior of the Brazil international, and his playstyle is comparable, in that he works hard off the ball and can be destructive with it, as has been shown in this season’s Champions League.
The fact that Gordon can also operate as a number nine is beneficial for Barcelona, who may find it difficult to spend big on a natural striker due to their well-documented financial woes. However, they would face strong competition from Bayern Munich, who are keen to agree terms with Newcastle as soon as possible, given that the upcoming World Cup will make it difficult for teams to do business for about a month.
