Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon has officially completed his high-profile transfer to Barcelona, signing a five-year contract with the Catalan giants. While the Spanish champions did not disclose the exact transfer fee, reports suggest a figure of £69.3 million, which would represent a significant profit for the Magpies, who acquired him from Everton for £45 million in January 2023.
Barcelona announcement
Confirming the move, Barcelona's official website released a statement: "FC Barcelona and Newcastle United have reached an agreement for Anthony Gordon to become a Blaugrana for the next five seasons." The 25-year-old had attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, but ultimately opted for the Spanish champions, against whom he featured three times in last season's Champions League.
Gordon's departure comes despite having four years remaining on a new long-term deal signed with Newcastle in 2024. He was a key figure in head coach Eddie Howe's efforts to inject dynamism into the frontline, forming a notable partnership with Alexander Isak, who himself made a controversial £130 million switch to Liverpool last summer.
Key contributions at Newcastle
Gordon played a pivotal role in Newcastle ending their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy in last season's Carabao Cup final and securing a second Champions League campaign in three seasons. His impressive tally of 10 goals in Europe this season, five of which were from the penalty spot, brought his talent to a wider audience. He will now turn his immediate attention to England's World Cup finals campaign before embarking on his new challenge in LaLiga.
Eddie Howe expressed his sentiments on the club's website, stating: "While we're disappointed to lose Anthony from our squad, we understand that this is a big opportunity for him. He has been a big part of our success in recent years, and the fact that he developed into an England international during his time at Newcastle United is a testament to the hard work he invested to his development with the support from everyone at the club. He leaves with our best wishes, and I am confident that he will go onto be a success, both with Barcelona and the national team at this year's World Cup."
Impact on Manchester United's Marcus Rashford
Gordon's arrival at the Nou Camp raises questions about the future of on-loan Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, whose permanent transfer clause is set to expire next month.
