Anthony Gordon joins Barcelona from Newcastle in deal worth up to €80m

BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona on Friday announced the arrival of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, in a transfer package that may climb to 80 million euros, or about US$93 million.

The Spanish club said Gordon is set to commit to a five-year deal running through June 30, 2031. The 25-year-old left-sided attacker is coming off a strong season at Newcastle, where he scored 17 times, including 10 goals in the Champions League, to finish as the team’s leading scorer.

“As a kid, to play for Barcelona is the biggest dream possible, it’s the biggest club on the planet,” Gordon told reporters. “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.”

Gordon, who was included in England’s World Cup squad, gives Barcelona another option in attack at a time when changes are expected. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski is leaving when his contract expires, while Marcus Rashford may also depart after completing his loan from Manchester United.

The La Liga champions are still looking at further additions over the coming weeks. Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has been mentioned in connection with a possible move to Catalonia, and Barcelona have also left open the possibility of trying again to retain Rashford.

Barcelona’s finances are in a better position than in recent seasons after three years of tighter spending and the reopening of the partially rebuilt Camp Nou. The club now has more room to operate under La Liga’s strict financial fair play limits.

Lewandowski’s exit and the conclusion of Rashford’s loan create extra space for Barcelona to spend. Other departures could also follow, with Roony Bardghji, Ansu Fati and Marc-Andre ter Stegen among the players who may move on.

For Newcastle, Gordon’s departure ranks as the club’s second-biggest sale, behind only Alexander Isak’s £125 million, or US$168 million, transfer to Liverpool last summer. Reports suggest the Premier League club could look to Real Betis winger Ez Abde as a replacement.

Gordon moved to Newcastle from Everton in 2023 for £45 million. Everton are due 15 per cent of the profit Newcastle make from his move away from St James’s Park.