Barcelona president Joan Laporta has played a decisive role in securing the transfer of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, according to reports. The 25-year-old England international is expected to join the La Liga champions in a deal worth £69.3 million plus add-ons, and is currently undergoing a medical.
German outlet Bild reports that Laporta personally spoke to Gordon on the phone to seal the move, assuring the player that he would be registered without difficulty despite Barcelona's ongoing financial issues. The deal comes after Bayern Munich had agreed personal terms with Gordon, but their lower transfer fee offer allowed Barcelona to take control of negotiations.
Bayern Munich directors reportedly believed Barcelona were bluffing in their negotiations for Gordon, and that news of their talks was leaked to pressure Manchester United into lowering their asking price for Marcus Rashford. However, by the time Bayern realised Barcelona's intentions, the Gordon deal was already in place, with Barcelona outbidding the Bundesliga champions by £10 million.
Laporta confirmed the move is in its final stages, stating: "The Gordon deal is being finalised, but it's not done yet. I've been informed of everything." Newcastle have agreed to allow Barcelona to spread the £69.3 million fee over the length of Gordon's contract at the Nou Camp, with instalments paid over five years.
Newcastle will receive a portion of any future sale of Gordon, while Everton, who sold Gordon to Newcastle for £45 million in 2023, will earn 15% from the transfer due to a sell-on clause. Gordon's impending arrival casts doubt on whether Marcus Rashford will continue at Barcelona, with talks ongoing between Manchester United and the Catalan club.
