Barcelona made the fastest start to the transfer window of any side in Spain, sealing a surprise deal for Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon. The deal, in stark contrast to most transfers pursued by the Blaugrana, was not rumoured at all in the lead up to its completion.
Gordon arrives on a five-year deal, with the fee thought to be around €70m, but could rise to €80m depending on variables. Beforehand, Gordon was reported to be in talks with Bayern Munich, and also of interest to Liverpool, the club he supported as a boy. Perhaps the biggest surprise was that the 25-year-old spoke in proficient Spanish during his first press conference in Barcelona and even threw in some Catalan, noting that ‘since he was a boy’ he had expected to play for Barcelona.
Anthony Gordon disappointed Bayern hierarchy
As revealed by Christian Falk on Bayern Insider, Gordon had told Bayern Munich something similar about his desire to play for the German champions. The England international had struck a deal on personal terms with the Bavarian giants, and he had told them that he would ‘love to play for Bayern’ and that they would be ‘his club’. Sporting Director Max Eberl was given a €60m limit for his bid on Gordon, well short of Newcastle’s €80m asking price, but feeling they had Gordon’s word, expected to have time to negotiate. As it was, Bayern were left ‘really disappointed’ with Gordon’s U-turn.
Where will Gordon play for Barcelona?
With Robert Lewandowski out the door, and Raphinha still on the books, as things stand it looks likely that Gordon will most likely compete with Ferran Torres for a spot in the side. However it is no secret that Barcelona are looking to bring in a number nine this summer too, which could leave Gordon fighting with the Brazilian for a spot on the left.