This is information that is surprising more than one person in Catalonia this Wednesday. FC Barcelona, looking for reinforcements for its offensive sector, would have effectively set its sights on Anthony Gordon (25 years old), the Newcastle striker. The English and Spanish media have no doubt: Barça has launched major maneuvers to attract the Magpies star to its ranks and the operation could be concluded quite quickly.
A profile that fits what Flick wants
A surprising choice, since Gordon’s name had never been mentioned until now, except in a few tabloids here and there. Just like Barça does not have the habit of enlisting British players, with a few exceptions like Marcus Rashford. Then, FC Barcelona seemed rather determined to enlist a real number 9, where the Three Lions player is above all a corridor player, although capable of occupying the forefront of the attack.
Some elements of response to this somewhat surprising transfer window decision are given in the Catalan media. The first is none other than Flick’s desire to go after the player. It is the German coach who would therefore be at the origin of this choice, more than Deco or Joan Laporta. It must be said that the German tactician seems to prefer the profiles of fairly mobile 9s, capable of dezoning and participating a lot in the game. Hence the fact that he has often preferred Ferran Torres to Robert Lewandowski in recent months. There can therefore clearly be a desire to play without a real surface player, knowing that players like Raphinha or Lamine Yamal are capable of securing a certain number of goals per season as well.
Gordon… and another?
A versatile profile which would therefore allow him to play in 9 but also to relieve Raphinha when Flick deems it necessary. While waiting to see what Marcus Rashford’s future holds, Barça does not have a real replacement on the wings. Then, and this should also be taken into account, before any sporting considerations perhaps, Gordon would be much cheaper than the other tracks announced so far. Recruited for 45 million euros from Everton in 2023, he could cost Barcelona between 80 and 90 million euros, while a first offer of 70 million was made according to our information. It’s a significant amount, but it’s less than the 150 million euros requested by Atlético de Madrid for Julian Alvarez, while Chelsea closed the door for João Pedro.
Even if it should also be noted that certain media specify that the arrival of Gordon would not necessarily prevent that of another offensive player for the position of striker. The goal is also to secure an attacker and, then, try everything for Alvarez by having already provided at least a first reinforcement for the offensive sector. Gordon therefore meets several criteria which convinced everyone internally at Barcelona: a versatile, complete player, who meets a real need and a market opportunity at an “affordable” price. Especially this summer, the Catalan club should have more room to maneuver in the transfer window, partly thanks to the return to the 1:1 rule of financial fair play in La Liga…
