Spanish media have shared their first impressions of Anthony Gordon after his Barcelona debut. The forward completed a high-profile move from Newcastle United to the Catalan club earlier this summer.
The 25-year-old spent three-and-a-half years with the Magpies and was part of the squad that won the Carabao Cup in 2025. The forward scored 17 goals in 46 games for Newcastle last season but he particularly thrived in the Champions League, notching 10 in 12 appearances.
Debut Delayed by World Cup
Gordon's involvement in England's World Cup campaign delayed his unofficial Barcelona debut until Sunday. He started for his new club in a friendly against Basel as Hansi Flick's side produced a 5-2 victory, with goals from Karim Adeyemi, Hamza Abdelkarim, Lamine Yamal and a brace from Jesse Bisiwu guiding Barcelona to victory.
The new signing, who replaces Marcus Rashford at the Camp Nou, was given his first run-out for Barcelona as he gets back up to full speed. Here is what Spanish media made of Gordon's display, a week before the La Liga champions' opening game at Elche.
Sport's Verdict
The match report from Sport rated Gordon's performance as a seven out of 10 before he was substituted at half-time. The publication used two words to describe the ex-Newcastle star, calling him a: “Game-changer”.
He started “very brightly” and the outlet praised his effective change of pace. It was noted that Gordon “works hard off the ball” and linked up well with his new teammates. Sport admitted that the forward “lost steam and influence” towards the end of the half. However, his performance was only said to be lacking a goal to “complete a brilliant debut”.
Mundo Deportivo's Take
Mundo Deportivo acknowledged that Barcelona's win over Basel helped “satisfy fans' curiosity” as Gordon started alongside fellow new signing Karim Adeyemi as part of a front three spearheaded by Raphinha. The supporters were claimed to have been “pleased” with both attackers' first performances.
Focusing on Gordon, Mundo Deportivo stated that there had been a “real buzz” to watch his debut. Although his performance was described as a “mixed bag”, the outlet spoke positively about the winger's impact on the game.
Similarly, the report stated that Gordon started “brightly” and “changed pace down the wing”. He was heavily involved and demonstrated “character” on the pitch. Gordon also made runs to the byline and interchanged with Raphinha as a false nine, providing “a taste of what awaits Barca fans”.
AS Analysis
The match report from AS detailed how Gordon's involvement showed the team “beginning to take shape”. Manager Hansi Flick was reported to be “fine-tuning” his side due to the lack of pre-season training for key players, such as Gordon.
Despite their limited time together, “the new signings shone”, as Gordon influenced the match, alongside goalscorers Adeyemi and Bisiwu. The England international was described as one of Barcelona's two “very Sharp” wingers, who delivered “dangerous crosses” for their teammates.
The front three, led by Raphinha, lacked “clinical finishing and a cutting edge”. However, AS stated there were enough signs that the trio's movement “can be a very effective weapon” for Barcelona.
