Anthony Gordon transfer news: Barcelona reach agreement with Newcastle for England international winger

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Newcastle to sign winger Anthony Gordon.

Gordon will now fly to Barcelona on Thursday to undergo his medical.

Gordon, who finished this season as Newcastle's top goalscorer with 17 goals, signed a long-term contract extension at St James' Park in October 2024 and has four years remaining on that deal.

But the former Everton winger was an unused sub in Newcastle's last four games, as the club sought to protect him ahead of an expected summer move.

But Barcelona are now set to seal the transfer before the World Cup.

"What's interesting is the two clubs who were fighting for his signature are from the continent - Barcelona and Bayern Munich - and I think a lot of that would be down to what he's done in the Champions League this season.

"Only Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane scored more goals than Gordon's 10. It's a brilliant return. In that competition, his numbers have been sensational. His numbers haven't been quite as good in the Premier League.

"Yes, he scored six, taking his total to 17 which, on paper, looks good. But clearly his best form this season has been reserved for the Champions League.

"He can play a number of positions, too. Ordinarily, he's played off the left-hand side in a 4-3-3, but he's also been used a lot through the middle, to devastating effect at times.

"Barcelona have got an abundance of riches, with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Robert Lewandowski is leaving, so perhaps that provides an opening for him through the middle. That ability to play in a number of positions is the thing that has attracted Barcelona.

"He's got blistering pace, he scores all sorts of goals and he's improved greatly as a Newcastle player since arriving from Everton. He's 25, he's an England international and I can see him fitting into the lifestyle over there, the style of football.

"Newcastle fans will be disappointed they are losing one of their star players, however I think it's easier to take losing him to Barcelona than it would have been if they were to have lost him to Arsenal, who were interested, and Liverpool, who almost signed him two years ago."

"It seemed for a long time that if Gordon was going to go anywhere, it would be Bayern to add to an attacking line-up that was already filled with Premier League experience.

"Now Barcelona are in pole position, it also begs the question of what happens with Marcus Rashford's future.

"The Manchester United loanee has already made it clear that he wants to remain at Barcelona next season, and is believed to be willing to take a pay cut to make that happen.

"United don't want to negotiate another loan deal and believe the £26m option price is more than fair.

"Could Rashford be playing for more than England glory at the World Cup? He might also be playing to convince Hansi Flick and the rest of the Barcelona hierarchy."