The £69 million move made by Barcelona to acquire Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon is by far the biggest transfer story of the summer as it stands. So, it understandably has everyone talking, especially those in Spain.
There tends to be a great deal of scepticism attached to signings from the Premier League, or those with such a large price tag. Naturally, some of the country's football journalists and former players begin offering their verdicts on how well they rate major signings, and what it means to the system they're joining up with. Gordon's move to Catalonia is no exception.
It’s a huge moment for the 25-year-old, who arrives at the Nou Camp after stating that he’s dreamt of this moment since he was a child. He’s even spent the last few years preparing himself for it, admitting he’d been learning Spanish with coaches at his former clubs. All of which led to a fluent Spanish interview after his contract signing, going as far to even speak Catalan to fans as he gave out autographs.
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Culers are going to be very happy with this.
Spanish Journalists Back Barcelona's Decision to Sign Anthony Gordon
anthony gordon newcastle united
Despite the high transfer fee, most of the Spanish media seem excited about the Englishman's arrival. Writing for Marca, journalist Alberto Rubio was intrigued about what Gordon brings to Barcelona's system, describing him as a "wild card" signing. Rubio pointed to Gordon's effectiveness in counter-pressing as a defining characteristic, noting that the vast majority of his interceptions and ball recoveries occur in the final third of the pitch:
“He has demonstrated great value in counter-pressing. Most of his interceptions/recoveries occur in the final third of the pitch. This is how the 'joker' [wild card] that Barcelona has signed plays.”
This is exactly what Hansi Flick demands from his forwards, and unlike Marcus Rashford, who a deal is yet to be struck for, Gordon has this in abundance, and everyone seemingly knows it.
On Radio MARCA's La Tribu programme, journalist David Sánchez was equally supportive, defending Barcelona's decision to move for the English winger and stating that the club is acting "as it was expected to."
Sanchez was honest about his own track record with signings of this nature, admitting he had no intention of repeating the error he made when Raphinha arrived from Leeds for £50 million.
"I criticised his move from Leeds to Barcelona and I was completely wrong, so now all I do is listen and learn from those who know. And if Deco and Hansi Flick have asked for him and Laporta has agreed to pay that huge sum for Anthony Gordon, it means he's going to be, and is, a great player for Barcelona."
Where Anthony Gordon Fits in Barcelona's Plans
Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon
Perhaps the most colourful comparison came from Javier Manquillo, the former Newcastle player who shared a season at St James' Park with Gordon, spoke to RAC radio via as.com alongside Juan Jimenez and described Gordon as “a Ferran Torres."
Jiminez backed this up, as he believes Gordon could ultimately serve as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, which could open the door to Rashford staying if Barca are willing to pay his €30 million buyout clause. He added:
"If Gordon ends up being Lewandowski 's replacement, Rashford would fit in. He would again be Raphinha'ss backup . Gordon and Ferran would be the theoretical strikers, and Lamine and Bardghji (if the Swede stays) would be the right wingers."
But Gordon’s role is likely to vary. Raphinha has also played as an out-and-out striker, and the Blaugrana are already making moves to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, another player who can operate on the wing if he needs to. In truth, Gordon is another addition to a stable of forwards who are all capable of playing anywhere across the front line.
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