The transfer of English international Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United to La Liga champions FC Barcelona is taking concrete shape. This is unwelcome news for FC Bayern Munich, who were also interested.
Following initial reports from Mundo Deportivo about discussions between Gordon and Barcelona’s management, including sporting director Deco, in London, the news about the attacker’s imminent move to Catalonia gained momentum throughout Wednesday.
English, Spanish, and German media are now unanimously reporting that not only has Gordon agreed to a summer transfer with Barcelona, but an agreement has also been reached between the clubs, making the transfer all but complete.
According to The Guardian, Gordon is scheduled to undergo a medical in Barcelona on Thursday, with the official announcement expected soon after. The aim is to finalize the deal by Monday. Gordon will then join the English national team for their trip to Florida, where they will begin preparations for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Although the transfer window officially opens on June 15th, all formalities are intended to be concluded beforehand.
Anthony Gordon Reportedly Set to Sign with FC Barcelona Until 2031
Reports on the transfer’s financial terms are also consistent. Barcelona is reportedly willing to pay a higher transfer fee than Bayern. According to The Athletic, approximately 80 million euros will be transferred to Newcastle for Gordon, with the Magpies also securing a sell-on clause. This figure comes close to Newcastle’s valuation for the winger, who is currently under contract until 2030, and exceeds what Munich was reportedly willing to offer for the 25-year-old.
The Guardian reports that Gordon is set to earn around 18 million euros per year at Barcelona, a doubling of his current salary at Newcastle. Gordon’s current club has had a disappointing season, finishing twelfth in the Premier League and missing out on European competition. This made the sale of a star player like Gordon likely this summer to avoid Financial Fair Play penalties. He is reportedly being offered a contract in Spain valid until 2031.
At Barcelona, Gordon would be the first high-profile signing for the upcoming season, providing a much-needed quality addition to head coach Hansi Flick’s offense. Not only is Robert Lewandowski leaving the club, but the future of Gordon’s countryman Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, also remains uncertain.
Gordon’s versatility, able to play on the left wing or as a central striker, makes him a valuable prospect.
Newcastle United Rejected FC Bayern’s Offer for Anthony Gordon
Barcelona’s swift advance in the Gordon pursuit is likely bad news for Bayern. The German club has been linked with the 17-time international for several weeks and was reportedly already in agreement with the player. However, Bayern reportedly submitted an offer on Wednesday but was unwilling to match Barcelona’s financial commitment for the transfer fee, leading to the rejection of their bid. Following this, FCB is said to have withdrawn from the race.
Gordon, who was also reportedly of interest to FC Liverpool, has had a mixed season, hampered by injuries (hip, thigh). He scored six goals and provided two assists in 26 Premier League appearances. His Champions League record, however, was outstanding: he scored an impressive ten goals and contributed two assists in twelve games before his team’s elimination in the round of 16 against his potential new employer. Five of these goals were penalties.
If the move to Barcelona proceeds as planned, it will mark the end of Gordon’s two-and-a-half-year tenure at Newcastle. The club signed him from FC Everton in early 2023 for 46.5 million euros after a prolonged transfer saga.