Anthony Gordon joins Barcelona: third Englishman after Lineker, Rashford
Synopsis
A childhood dream turned reality: Anthony Gordon, who spent years learning Spanish in anticipation of this moment, has joined FC Barcelona for €70 million — becoming only the third Englishman ever to wear the Blaugrana shirt. His arrival could also seal the fate of Marcus Rashford's loan spell at the club.
Key Takeaways
FC Barcelona signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United on 30 May for approximately €70 million plus €10 million in incentives.
Gordon becomes only the third English player in Barcelona's history, after Gary Lineker and Marcus Rashford .
He has signed a six-year contract and passed his medical on Thursday .
Gordon scored 39 goals in 152 appearances for Newcastle United after joining from Everton in January 2023 .
His arrival could affect the future of Marcus Rashford's loan deal and Barcelona's reported pursuit of Julián Álvarez .
Gordon will join the England World Cup squad on 1 June before linking up with his new club.
FC Barcelona officially confirmed the signing of England international winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United on Friday, 30 May, making the 25-year-old only the third English player in the club's history, following Gary Lineker and Marcus Rashford. The deal ends months of speculation and marks a significant statement of intent by the Catalan giants ahead of the new season.
Contract Details
Gordon has put pen to paper on a six-year contract worth approximately €70 million (around $81.3 million), with a further €10 million in performance-related incentives. The formalities were completed a full seven hours behind schedule, reportedly due to last-minute complications with the legal paperwork. Gordon flew into Barcelona on Thursday and cleared his medical examination before the official announcement on Friday.
Gordon's Presentation at Spotify Nou Camp
In a moment that drew widespread attention, Gordon addressed the media in Spanish during his unveiling at the Spotify Nou Camp — a nod to a childhood ambition he had quietly been preparing for. 'I was excited to play for Barca since I was three years of age,' he said. He revealed that he had been learning Spanish with a physiotherapist in Newcastle, telling him: 'One day I'll play for Barca, so I want to learn Spanish.' Gordon added that once Barcelona's interest became concrete, 'there wasn't any question. Barca are the biggest club on the planet.'
Career Path to the Nou Camp
Gordon joined Newcastle United from his hometown club Everton in January 2023 and went on to register 39 goals in 152 appearances for the Magpies. On the international stage, he has earned 17 caps for England, scoring twice. Notably, Gordon had already crossed paths with his new employers this past season, scoring Newcastle's goal in a 2-1 Champions League group-stage defeat to Barcelona.
Impact on Barcelona's Squad Planning
Gordon's arrival adds a fresh dimension to Barcelona's attacking options but also raises questions about the future of Marcus Rashford, whose loan from Manchester United may not be made permanent given the new arrival. The club is also reportedly pursuing Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, which could further reshape the forward line. Gordon is set to join the England squad on 1 June to begin preparations for the World Cup finals before reporting back to his new club.
Point of View
However, is what this means for Rashford: if Barcelona now walk back his permanent deal, it will raise pointed questions about how the club manages its loan-to-buy pipeline. And with Julián Álvarez also reportedly in play, the forward line could look entirely different by pre-season — a significant squad-management risk heading into a World Cup-disrupted calendar.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Barcelona pay for Anthony Gordon?
Barcelona signed Anthony Gordon for approximately €70 million, with a further €10 million in performance-related incentives. The deal was confirmed on 30 May after Gordon passed his medical in Barcelona on Thursday.
Who are the other English players to have played for FC Barcelona?
Anthony Gordon is only the third English player in Barcelona's history, following Gary Lineker and Marcus Rashford. Rashford joined on loan from Manchester United in the 2024-25 season.
What contract has Anthony Gordon signed with Barcelona?
Gordon has agreed a six-year contract with FC Barcelona. The deal was finalised later than expected due to complications with the legal paperwork, which delayed proceedings by around seven hours.
What happens to Marcus Rashford's loan deal now?
Gordon's arrival could lead Barcelona to reconsider making Rashford's loan from Manchester United permanent. The club is also reportedly interested in Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, which could further affect squad decisions.
What is Anthony Gordon's record before joining Barcelona?
Gordon scored 39 goals in 152 appearances for Newcastle United after signing from Everton in January 2023. He has also represented England 17 times, scoring twice, and will join the national squad on 1 June for World Cup preparations.
