On paper, the financial comparison between the two players was surprisingly close. Rashford had already agreed to a 40% wage reduction to facilitate his stay in Spain, and his annual amortisation would have sat around €10 million. In contrast, Gordon arrives on a much lower weekly salary, but his €70 million transfer fee means he carries a higher annual amortisation cost of €14 million.
When combining wages and fees, the yearly cost to the club was almost identical. However, Blaugrana felt that Gordon represented better value as a long-term asset. The deadline to trigger the Rashford clause expires this Monday, and the club has made it clear that no late U-turns are expected.