Barcelona have completed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United on a five-year contract.
But where will he fit? Is he good enough to play for Barcelona? And what does this deal mean for Marcus Rashford’s future at the club? Fulltime Herald answers your questions related to the deal.
Where will Gordon fit in Barcelona’s system?
Barcelona have signed Gordon because they wanted another wide attacker capable of operating across the front line. Rashford filled that supporting role this just-concluded season, but there are doubts inside the club about committing to a permanent deal for the England forward. Gordon is viewed by senior executives as a better fit for Flick’s system.
The club have prioritised versatility and intensity in the market. Gordon can play on either flank, has experience as a centre-forward and is regarded as one of the more aggressive pressing forwards available.
Flick places heavy demands on attackers without the ball, and Gordon’s work rate was one of the main reasons Barcelona pushed for the deal. Flick and his staff were always reserved about Rashford’s ability to press without the ball.
Gordon’s style is direct and uncomplicated. He constantly attacks space behind defenders and prefers to drive forward quickly rather than slow games down. He also presses with intensity from the front and forces defenders into uncomfortable decisions because of his acceleration and dribbling. Markers are often unsure whether he will continue his run, cross early or attack the box himself.
Barcelona believe that kind of movement can benefit Yamal in particular. The club feel mobile runners around their main creative player will create more space and variation in the attack. Gordon is also comfortable rotating positions during matches, which suits Flick’s preference for a fluid attack.
Gordon is expected to compete primarily with Raphinha on the left, but his ability to move centrally gives Barcelona more tactical options. He played 42 per cent of his minutes as a centre-forward this season and has experience leading the line when required.
A new force joins our rhythm.
Anthony Gordon is culer 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/v5UefCfUme— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 29, 2026
Is Gordon good enough to play for Barcelona?
Some Barcelona fans might have reservations about Gordon’s quality, and that is understandable given his Premier League numbers. He scored six league goals in 26 appearances this season, with half of them penalties, and added only two assists as Newcastle finished 12th. Those are not usually the numbers associated with Barcelona signings.
There is, however, a belief inside the club that the context matters. Newcastle struggled collectively in attack for much of the season and often played without rhythm or control. Barcelona believe Gordon’s game will be raised significantly in a side that dominates possession and attacks higher up the pitch.
His pressing intensity already fits Flick’s demands, as mentioned. He offers pace and direct running against deep defensive blocks, something Barcelona will be needing more of. Gordon completed more take-ons per 90 minutes this season than any Newcastle player, which shows his willingness to attack defenders repeatedly.
Gordon’s Champions League performances strengthened Barcelona’s interest even further. He scored 10 goals in 12 appearances and added two assists. Five of those goals came from penalties but his overall level in Europe was considerably stronger than in domestic competition.
Barcelona also see value in the competition he could provide for Raphinha, who struggled for fitness last season. Gordon arrives with a realistic chance of earning regular minutes if he adapts quickly.
The risk for Barcelona is inconsistency. Newcastle supporters became frustrated at times by Gordon’s poor decision-making in the final third. Barcelona are betting that Flick’s structure and the quality around him can make his strengths more reliable over the course of a season.
What does Gordon’s arrival mean for Marcus Rashford?
Gordon’s arrival complicates Rashford’s future at Barcelona, even if the club insist they still want to strengthen other attacking positions. Barcelona continue to pursue a central striker, with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Chelsea’s Joao Pedro among their leading targets, but Gordon was signed specifically to strengthen the wide areas.
Sources close to Rashford still believe there is a chance he remains at the club. Flick was satisfied with the forward’s contribution this season after he scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. The manager remains open to keeping him.
The doubts are coming from elsewhere inside the club. Senior executives admit Gordon’s arrival makes Rashford’s chances of staying more complicated given Barcelona’s financial situation.
There is also the need to prioritise squad balance since Gordon is basically expected to provide everything Rashford could offer last season and more. Funds will be considered as better spent in other areas of the squad.
Whatever the decision, some clarity is expected soon since Barcelona must inform Manchester United by 15 June if they intend to activate Rashford’s €30m buy option or not.
