Barcelona sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle on five-year deal

BARCELONA: Barcelona have completed the signing of winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a deal the Spanish club said could reach 80 million euros ($93 million).

In a brief statement issued on Friday, Barcelona said the 25-year-old had agreed a contract for the next five seasons, running until June 30, 2031. Gordon arrives as the La Liga champions reshape their attack ahead of the new campaign.

The England international scored 17 goals for Newcastle this season, including 10 in the Champions League, and finished as the club’s leading scorer. Speaking to reporters after the move was confirmed, Gordon said joining Barcelona had been a long-held ambition.

As a kid, to play for Barcelona is the biggest dream possible, it's the biggest club on the planet.

He added:

I know it comes with a lot of responsibility, but like I said, I'm ready for this kind of challenge, ready for that responsibility.

I know everybody, the players in the past who've worn the shirt, it holds a lot of weight, but I'm ready. I'm excited for the challenge.

Barcelona’s attacking changes

Gordon strengthens a forward line that is set to lose veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski when his contract ends. Barcelona could also be without Marcus Rashford if his loan spell from Manchester United is not extended.

The Catalan club are still looking to add more attacking options in the coming weeks. Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move to Barcelona, while the club have also not ruled out another attempt to retain Rashford.

After three years of restrained spending, Barcelona are in a stronger financial position within La Liga’s financial fair play framework. The partial reopening of the rebuilt Camp Nou has also improved the club’s room for manoeuvre. Lewandowski’s departure and the end of Rashford’s loan have created additional space to spend, while Roony Bardghji, Ansu Fati and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are also among the players who may leave.

Newcastle record sale context

Gordon’s departure is Newcastle’s second biggest sale on record, after Liverpool paid £125 million ($168 million) for Alexander Isak last summer. Reports have linked the Premier League side with a move for Real Betis winger Ez Abde as a possible replacement.

Newcastle signed Gordon from Everton for £45 million in 2023. Everton are set to receive 15 percent of the profit from the player’s sale under the terms of that earlier transfer.