Gordon ready: Barcelona debut this Sunday

Anthony Gordon makes his Barcelona debut this Sunday at Saint Jakob Park against Basel (4:30 p.m., TV3/Barça Play). The 25-year-old English winger arrived after his transfer was closed at the end of May, even before the window officially opened, for €80 million (€70 fixed + €10 add-ons) from Newcastle.

Flick and Deco's backing for the striker stems from three decisive Champions League encounters. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona's technical staff were convinced after watching him play against the Catalans: he scored in the league phase, came off the bench in the Round of 16, and was key in the rout at Spotify Camp Nou. The qualities Flick sought were clear: high-intensity play, pace, defensive commitment, and tactical mobility.

From winger to striker

Gordon is a left winger by trade, but played centrally in most appearances against Newcastle. Barcelona will have to see which position Flick chooses—a question that matters because the squad lost strikers Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski, who combined for 40 goals last season. While waiting for the No. 9 the German coach wants, Gordon can contribute goals from attack.

A finisher seeking confirmation

He's not a pure goalscorer, but an attacker with an edge: in his final Newcastle season he recorded 17 goals and 5 assists in 46 matches. His lowest output came in 2024-25, with 9 goals in 42 games. His most valued quality is his ability to burst into free spaces and sense where the ball will land—he proved it in the World Cup semifinal with the finish that sent England to the final. At Barcelona, he'll need to confirm that hunger near goal.