Barcelona have identified Newcastle United and England forward Anthony Gordon as a potential transfer target this summer, according to multiple reports in Spain. The Catalan club's interest, first reported by RAC1 and followed up by Sport, suggests Gordon is on a shortlist of alternatives as Barcelona plan for a forward line that may be without Robert Lewandowski.
The 25-year-old Gordon, who has scored 17 goals in 46 appearances this season for Newcastle, is seen by Barcelona's hierarchy, including Director of Football Deco, as a player with a similar profile to current winger Raphinha. The club reportedly values Gordon's intense pressing style and pace, traits that align with their tactical demands. This interest emerges amid ongoing speculation about Raphinha's future, with the Brazilian having received significant offers, though sources close to the player indicate he is not actively seeking an exit.
Sport has published images appearing to show Deco meeting with Gordon's representatives in Barcelona, though it is noted the player's agents are in discussions with several clubs, including Bayern Munich. Any move for Gordon would likely command a substantial fee, with initial estimates from Spanish media placing a potential price tag around €80 million. Barcelona's pursuit is complicated by their well-documented financial constraints, which may limit their ability to make a major signing without a corresponding sale.
The primary focus for Barcelona's attack had been a traditional number nine, with Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez cited as a leading target. However, Atletico's reluctance to sell has forced the club to explore other avenues. Gordon's versatility is a key factor; while he has increasingly featured centrally for Newcastle, his background is as a left winger, a position where Barcelona may seek reinforcement if Raphinha were to depart or if the club looks to add depth behind current options.
Gordon's season with Newcastle, which included three encounters against Barcelona in European competition, has evidently left an impression on the La Liga side. His development since a £45 million move from Everton in 2023 has been marked by a growing influence in the final third, complementing his established work rate. For Newcastle, the prospect of a major sale could align with Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations, though losing a key homegrown talent would be a significant blow.
This reported interest underscores Barcelona's need to be creative in the transfer market. With Lewandowski's future uncertain and high-cost targets like Alvarez potentially out of reach, identifying multifaceted forwards like Gordon represents a pragmatic strategy. The coming weeks will determine whether Barcelona formalize their interest with an offer, a move likely contingent on player sales and the final decisions of manager Hansi Flick and Deco regarding the squad's composition.
