Barcelona have caused quite a stir in the European transfer market this week, with Anthony Gordon having reportedly passed his medical ahead of a €70 million move from Newcastle, while Bernardo Silva is also expected to arrive on a free transfer.
The arrivals signal a clear intent from Hansi Flick and Deco to raise the bar in attack and build a squad capable of competing for the Champions League next season.
However, with Gordon arriving to fill the left wing role, one player has been pushed firmly towards the exit door.
Rashford out of the picture
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona
Rashford’s time at Barcelona might be over. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
According to RAC1, Marcus Rashford is no longer in Barcelona’s plans for next season.
Gordon’s arrival directly occupies the space the Englishman had been filling, and on multiple levels the club view the Newcastle winger as an upgrade.
Defensively and in terms of pressing intensity, Gordon is considered more suited to Flick’s demands, drawing favourable comparisons to Raphinha in terms of his overall contribution.
From a financial perspective, his lower salary and the way his amortisation is distributed also make him a more efficient option under LaLiga’s fair play regulations.
What are the chances of Rashford staying?
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United
Anthony Gordon likely to replace Rashford. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Rashford’s continuation at the club would only be considered if Barcelona fail to sign a striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, a scenario the club currently view as highly unlikely.
The decision also reflects a cold-eyed assessment of what this season revealed. Without Raphinha, Barcelona struggled badly, falling out of both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid.
The club are determined not to be exposed in the same way again, and Gordon’s profile offers a genuine like-for-like alternative of the highest quality.