As Barcelona faces financial uncertainty this summer, the Catalan giants are exploring creative alternatives to bolster their attack—and Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon has emerged as a surprising new target.
With Robert Lewandowski's future hanging in the balance, the club is preparing for life without their star striker, either through his departure or a reduced role. While Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez remains Barcelona's top choice, Los Colchoneros have made it clear they aren't selling this summer. Other names like Vedat Muriqi, Alexander Sorloth, and Joao Pedro have been floated as budget-friendly striker options.
But Barcelona's interest in Gordon signals a shift in strategy. According to RAC1, the 25-year-old England international is being considered as a potential alternative to Raphinha on the left wing. The Blaugrana are already familiar with his game, having faced him twice in three meetings between Newcastle and Barcelona this season.
Adding fuel to the fire, Spanish outlet Sport has published images of Barcelona sporting director Deco meeting with Gordon's agents in the Catalan capital. The price tag? A hefty €80 million, though Gordon's representatives are reportedly also in talks with Bayern Munich and other European suitors.
So what makes Gordon such an appealing option? According to sources, Barcelona believe the forward shares several key traits with Raphinha: an intense pressing style, explosive pace to run in behind defenses, and versatility across the front line. While Gordon has been deployed increasingly as a central forward this season, he learned his craft as a winger—making him a flexible addition to any attack.
The numbers back up the interest. In 46 appearances this season, Gordon has racked up 17 goals and five assists, showcasing the kind of output that could thrive in Barcelona's system. With the club reportedly open to offers for Raphinha from Saudi Arabia, Gordon could be the perfect like-for-like replacement—younger, English, and hungry to make his mark on the European stage.