Barça closes the signing of Anthony Gordon, the first of this summer

BarcelonaAnthony Gordon will be Barça's first signing for the third season with Hansi Flick. The 25-year-old English international footballer has reached an agreement with the Catalan club, as reported by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano and confirmed by ARA. This week, Barcelona's sporting director Deco was already in England negotiating with Newcastle United, and now the agreement between the three parties is a fact. Gordon will sign for the next five seasons, and the idea is for him to undergo his medical examination before leaving to play in the World Cup with the English national team. Barça will pay 70 million for his services, a figure that could be higher depending on the clauses agreed between the parties.

Born in Liverpool, he briefly passed through the Liverpool academy without success. At 11 years old, he joined Everton, the club where he debuted in the first division after an entire career wearing blue. On February 1, 2021, he was loaned to Preston North End of the Second Division and then returned to Everton. In the winter market of 2023, Newcastle United signed him, paying 45 million pounds, a club where he won a League Cup and played in the Champions League, in which he scored four goals in a match against Qarabag. In fact, he faced Barça, scoring a goal against them in the group stage match. After losing against Flick's team, Gordon was full of praise, talking about his future teammates. "They are the best I've played against in this sense of the game; to be honest, we are not used to playing against players who can keep the ball like this," he said then.

A versatile player

The last few days had been intense, as Bayern had shown interest in Gordon, who had seen that it was necessary to leave Newcastle upon seeing that this club was not qualifying for the Champions League. Liverpool had also shown interest, which had complicated everything since as a child, Gordon was a fan of this club, admiring Steven Gerrard. Gordon, who had a contract until the summer of 2030, has scored 39 goals in 152 games for Newcastle, and has sometimes occupied the position of center forward. If he plays on the wing, at Barça he would theoretically have competition from Raphinha, but since in recent years at Newcastle he has been improving as a false nine, he could have a role quite similar to Ferran Torres' so far. In addition, Gordon's physique is highlighted, which allows him to be very aggressive when defending, an idea that Hansi Flick really likes.

A few days ago, Gordon saw himself chosen by the German coach Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, to go to the World Cup, the first of his career. A list that generated a lot of debate in British lands, as it left out important names from the Premier League, such as Phil Foden, Harry Maguire or Cole Palmer. Gordon, on the other hand, has also gained importance with the national team and will fight to be a starter with the national team of the three lions on the shield.

Gordon's arrival does not change Deco's plans when it comes to looking for a center forward to replace the absence of Robert Lewandowski. The two names that are sounding strongest right now are the Argentine Julián Álvarez, from Atlético de Madrid, and the Brazilian João Pedro from Chelsea. The Blaugrana sporting director has already closed the first reinforcement for a summer in which a busy market is expected, both in terms of departures and arrivals.