Photo via BBC Sport

Signed instead of Rashford, Gordon is proving worth at Barca

Following in the footsteps of Gary Lineker's 1986 transfer, Anthony Gordon became only the second English footballer to seal a permanent switch to Barcelona this summer. The move initially raised eyebrows after an erratic domestic term with twelfth-placed Newcastle United, where he recorded two assists alongside six goals—half of which came via spot-kicks—across 26 Premier League outings.

However, the winger had excelled on the continent by delivering ten goals in a dozen Champions League fixtures, a tally surpassed only by Kylian Mbappe's 15 strikes and Harry Kane's 14. That European journey featured a visit to the Nou Camp, where Newcastle suffered a 7-2 thrashing to exit 8-3 on aggregate in the round of 16.

Barcelona sporting director Deco revealed the club opted to sign Gordon instead of Marcus Rashford because his profile seamlessly matches manager Hansi Flick's tactical vision. Operating predominantly on the left wing beside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, Gordon has integrated smoothly despite still seeking his maiden goal in Spain.

Flick has commended his unselfishness and playmaking contributions, best exemplified during his domestic debut against Elche. In that match, Gordon registered two assists within a four-minute span, including an unselfish decision to bypass a clean one-on-one chance against the goalkeeper to roll the ball across for Fermin Lopez to tap home.