Barcelona are reported to have moved ahead of Bayern Munich in the race to sign Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon.
Gordon has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern and is reported to have agreed personal terms with the Bundesliga champions.
However, transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday that Barcelona are in direct talks with Newcastle over a move for Gordon, with The Daily Mail subsequently claiming that the Blaugrana are in the lead in the battle for his signature.
It is claimed that Barca and Newcastle are discussing the make-up a package that could reach £80million including add-ons.
Gordon has played a key role in Newcastle’s success in recent years, but the signs that his departure is imminent have been there for several weeks.
Gordon attracts European heavyweights
Gordon joined Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 in a deal worth up to £45m.
After initially struggling to hit the ground running, he thrived in his first full season at the club, scoring 12 goals.
The 2024-25 season was less productive for him individually, but Gordon played a key role in Newcastle ending their wait for a first major trophy since 1969. He scored a goal in each leg of the EFL Cup semi-final triumph over Arsenal, though he missed the win over Liverpool in the final through suspension.
Newcastle went on to clinch Champions League qualification and, while they struggled domestically this campaign, Gordon excelled in Europe. Heading into Saturday’s final, only Kylian Mbappe (15) and Harry Kane (14) have scored more goals in this season’s Champions League than Gordon’s 10.
Gordon found the net in a 2-1 defeat against Barcelona in Newcastle’s opening league phase game, and it was Hansi Flick’s side who dumped the Magpies out of the competition in the last 16. Barca thrashed Newcastle 7-2 in the second leg at Camp Nou after a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
Yet Gordon clearly did enough to catch Barca’s eye and attract the interest of Bayern, with his absence from the final six games of a disappointing league season for Newcastle suggesting he was being protected ahead of a lucrative transfer.
And it is a deal that could have a significant impact on an England colleague.
What does it mean for Rashford?
Barca have the opportunity to sign another England winger, Marcus Rashford, in what would be a much more affordable move.
Indeed, Barca can make Rashford’s stay a permanent one for a fee of €35m (£30m) after he enjoyed an impressive first season on loan from Manchester United.
Rashford, who scored two stunning goals against Newcastle in that league phase game, netted 14 times and provided 11 assists in all competitions, his defining contribution a superb free-kick in the 2-0 win over Real Madrid that sealed the LaLiga title.
Gordon and Rashford will each hope to help England to World Cup glory in North America this summer. Yet Rashford could see his international team-mate dash his hopes of a long-term Barca stay, and force him to pursue alternatives after revitalising his career at Camp Nou.
