Liverpool was keen on Anthony Gordon in the final year of Jurgen Klopp's reign, but the Reds were unable to secure a deal for the Newcastle winger
08:59, 14 Jun 2026Updated 09:06, 14 Jun 2026
Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp had considered making the move(Image: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp's ideal attacking duo could finally come together this summer - though not at Liverpool. The former Reds manager was keen to bring Anthony Gordon to Anfield during his final season in charge, but Liverpool were unable to convince Newcastle to sell the winger.
Two years on, and Gordon has sealed a transfer to Barcelona, paving the way for an intriguing reunion of Klopp's transfer aspirations. According to reports, the Catalan club are also considering a move for former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, who joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal last summer.
Should Nunez make the move to Camp Nou, Barcelona would acquire the very attacking pairing Klopp once imagined at Liverpool, with Gordon's pace and directness potentially dovetailing with the Uruguayan's tireless running and physical presence in the final third.
With Robert Lewandowski poised to depart this summer, Barcelona are looking for a new focal point in attack. However, having committed a substantial portion of their transfer budget to Gordon, the Catalan club are exploring more cost-effective options up front.
This is where Nunez enters the equation. The former Liverpool striker joined Al-Hilal last summer, but his reputation has declined considerably over the past 12 months.
The signing of Karim Benzema shortly after Nunez's transfer saw the Uruguayan slip down the pecking order, and he was eventually left out of Al-Hilal's squad for the second half of the campaign. Consequently, he hasn't featured for his club since February.
Despite his diminished role, Nunez still managed a respectable nine goals in 24 appearances for the Saudi outfit - an improvement on the seven goals he netted in 47 matches during his final campaign at Liverpool. While he found the back of the net 40 times overall for the Reds, he never quite justified the fee Liverpool paid to secure his signature.
Anthony Gordon.
Anthony Gordon has signed for Barcelona(Image: Adria Puig/Anadolu via Getty Images)
That modest record has done little to put off Barcelona, who seem prepared to take a punt on the 26-year-old recapturing his peak form. However, depending on Nunez to fill the void left by Lewandowski's goals would constitute a considerable gamble.
Article continues below
That gamble could be mitigated if Barcelona also manage to secure the signing of Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United forward spent the 2025/26 season on loan at the Camp Nou and is eager to make the switch permanent.
Discussions between the two clubs have been ongoing for several months, although Barcelona have thus far been hesitant to activate Rashford's release clause.
Gordon's arrival may have muddied the waters for the England international's route to Catalonia, but a deal cannot be dismissed. Whether through a permanent transfer or another loan arrangement, negotiations remain ongoing and Barcelona are still considering their options.