Barcelona director of football Deco has detailed why they chose to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United this summer, rather than making Marcus Rashford’s loan deal from Manchester United permanent.
Sport cover the Barcelona director today following an interview in which he discussed Barcelona’s various transfer business this summer.
One of their biggest moves was the €80m deal – which they’re already deferring payments on – to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle before the World Cup.
Gordon transfer explained
That deal was wrapped up quickly but did raise eyebrows as the Catalan club appeared to have pivoted quickly away from Marcus Rashford to sign his England teammate.
Rashford had spent last season on loan with Barcelona. He impressed during that spell too, finishing his year in Spain with 14 goals and 15 assists in 49 games.
Numbers like those had made a permanent move look inevitable but, instead, Barcelona decided to move for Gordon. Deco has now cleared up why that decision was made.
“We watch every training session and analyse the team,” he said.
“We have a clear idea of what we’re looking for. One of the issues last year was that, without Raphinha, the team’s energy would drop – it would be lost.
“We needed more intensity. We analysed many wingers. Signing players from the Premier League is almost impossible. First, we had the financial capacity to do it.
“The manager was convinced. From there, we worked on the deal. Gordon was very excited about being part of the project. We paid his market value. We are grateful to Rashford, but Gordon brings us more to what the coach is looking for.”
Transfer from Newcastle United working well
Fortunately for Deco, the decision to sign Anthony Gordon is looking like a smart one early on in his time at Camp Nou.
He’s yet to score for his new club but has managed five assists in five games to date and made a very positive impression on those watching.
Indeed, he now finds himself as part of one of the best attacking line ups in Europe and more assists, plus goals, will only help Deco’s decision to look smarter.
