Anthony Gordon has made an instant impact at Barcelona. After recently confirming a direct phone call from Hansi Flick sealed his £69m transfer from Newcastle United to Barcelona. The winger completed the move before joining up with England ahead of the World Cup.
Gordon confirms Hansi Flick call prompted £69m Barcelona move
Gordon says he paid little attention to early reports linking him with a switch to Spain. It was only when Barcelona’s head coach rang him personally that he understood the interest was real.
“I had a phone call with Hansi Flick and realised it was true, so I started to get really excited.” Gordon said.
That conversation changed his outlook almost immediately. Gordon has made clear that the call, rather than the transfer speculation itself, was the moment his head turned towards a move away from St James’ Park.
How Hansi Flick and Deco convinced Gordon to leave Newcastle United
Speaking to Spanish radio station RAC1, Gordon explained that Flick’s involvement was almost incidental to his own desire to join the club. He described Barcelona as a lifelong ambition rather than a decision driven by any single voice.
“But, to be honest, it could have been anyone on that phone call and I still would have come to Barca. It’s a dream for me” Gordon said.
He also referenced Pep Guardiola’s era at the Camp Nou as the standard that drew him to the club.
“That is the best team I have ever seen in my life. They were the best team. I wanted to play for the best team. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win all four trophies with Barcelona” Gordon said.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has since detailed the club’s side of the deal, telling reporters that identifying Gordon took careful planning. His comments, first reported by Chronicle Live’s interview coverage, outline how the pursuit developed.
“We analysed a lot of wingers. Signing someone from the Premier League is almost impossible, but [Flick] was clear with what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there,” Deco said.
Tactical context behind Deco choosing Gordon over Marcus Rashford
Barcelona had the option of making Marcus Rashford’s loan from Manchester United permanent. Deco confirmed the club chose Gordon instead, pointing to a better tactical match for Flick’s system.
“We are extremely grateful to Rashford. He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony,” Deco said.
Deco expanded on the specific traits Barcelona were seeking on the wing. He said the club had studied Gordon’s performances closely before deciding he suited Flick’s demands.
“His style fits with what the coach is looking for. We see every training session and analyse the team. We have a clear idea of what we’re looking for,” Deco said.
Energy levels without Raphinha were a specific concern for Barcelona last season, according to Deco. He said the squad lacked intensity whenever the Brazilian winger was unavailable, and Gordon was signed partly to solve that problem.
“One of the areas we struggled last season, without Raphinha, was that the team’s energy dropped. It was lost. We needed more intensity,” Deco said.
Gordon’s exit has left Newcastle needing fresh options in wide areas, a gap made sharper after Anthony Elanga was stretchered off injured earlier this season. The Magpies were also credited with interest in an RB Leipzig winger as a potential successor once Gordon’s departure was confirmed.
What happens next for Gordon as Barcelona target four trophies
Gordon has made an immediate impact in Spain. He recorded five assists in his first five La Liga appearances, helping Barcelona take maximum points from their opening five fixtures to sit top of the table.
The winger has also spoken about the reception he has received from the Camp Nou crowd, comparing it to the support shown to some of the club’s greatest names.
“Having a fanbase that has applauded players like Messi, Ronaldinho, Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta now chanting my name is something I am incredibly grateful for,” Gordon said.
With Barcelona chasing a full trophy haul this season, Gordon’s early form suggests Flick intends to keep building his attack around the England international. Newcastle supporters will continue to track his progress as he settles into life at one of European football’s biggest clubs.
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