Barcelona completed the signing of England forward Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United on Friday. The deal carries a value exceeding 80 million euros (£69.3m). The 25-year-old signed a contract running until 2031.
Manager Hansi Flick drove the pursuit of the winger. Flick identified Gordon as the ideal fit for a tactical system built on high-intensity pressing and clinical counter-attacking football. The move follows months of internal discussions at the club regarding how best to strengthen their attacking options.
Gordon expressed long-standing personal ambitions during his presentation at the Spotify Nou Camp.
“I was excited to play for Barca since I was three years of age. I wanted to speak Spanish because, as a kid, I believed I would play football for Barca, believe it or not. I have a physio in Newcastle, and we spoke every day, and I told him, ‘one day I’ll play for Barca, so I want to learn Spanish’. I found out very late of Barcelona’s interest, but as soon as I knew Barca were a serious option, there wasn’t any question. Barca are the biggest club on the planet. It is stuff I dreamed about as a child.”
The transition involved a wait of nearly eight hours on Thursday due to final administrative delays. Gordon maintained a calm demeanour throughout the process, reflecting the professionalism he expects to bring to his new environment.
“I knew it would happen. I have been very calm at the hotel with my family and agents. It’s stuff I don’t understand. All my part was done, I was ready. It was stuff above me, legal things and very small details. I am very conscious of the history of this club and the incredible players who have worn this shirt. I’m ready for this challenge. There is a burning fire in my belly to win here.”
Gordon will now join the England squad in the United States on Monday. He joins fellow countryman Marcus Rashford in the Barcelona squad.
