Anthony Gordon: England forward completes stunning £69.3m transfer to join Barcelona from Newcastle United

The England international is coming off his most proficient season in front of goal, having scored 17 times across all competitions.

In confirming the deal on social media, Barcelona - who reportedly saw off Bayern Munich to attain Gordon's services - proclaimed: "A new force joins our rhythm."

The 25-year-old has earned 17 caps for England and scored 10 UEFA Champions League goals last season, including one against Barcelona in September at St James' Park.

The length of Gordon's contract demonstrates the faith Barcelona have in him to reach higher levels at the Camp Nou, and the player believes he hasn't yet reached his ceiling.

"I knew it would happen, so I've been very calm at the hotel today just waiting with my family," said Gordon, who came through Everton's youth academy and made his professional debut at the age of 16.

"I've been very excited so it was hard to wait."

Gordon was unable to explain the nine-hour build-up to his official unveiling on Friday evening, explaining to the media that he had been waiting to sign his contract for two days but "small details" led to the delay.

"I am ready for this challenge," Gordon continued impressively in Spanish. "I'm very aware of the history of the club and the incredible players who have worn this shirt. I'm excited, and I'm proud to be here. It's a dream turned into a reality to be part of this team.

"I found out very late from the conversations I was having that there was interest from Barca, but I think as soon as I found out they were a serious option, there was never any question. It is the biggest club on the planet, and it's the stuff I dreamed of as a child."

It was suspected that Gordon's future lay away from Newcastle towards the back end of the 2025/26 season when manager Eddie Howe claimed an injury kept the winger out of action.

His final game for The Magpies came away to Crystal Palace on April 12 but Thomas Tuchel was never in any doubt when selecting him for his World Cup squad with England this summer in North America.

Completing this high-profile move before the tournament allows Gordon to turn his focus back on matters on the field, where he will be competing with Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers for a starting berth on the left side of England's attack.

"I spoke with Hansi Flick," said Gordon, when asked about how his move to Barcelona came about. "I was already excited, but after speaking to him, I'm even more excited. He seems like a very nice person, an amazing man-manager.

"What he's done at Barca in a very short time has been amazing. He's brought the club so much success.

"To play with Lamine [Yamal] and the rest of the players is very exciting for me.

"I think the more players with quality around you, the better you are going to be. These players are at the very top level for a reason. They are the best players in the world. 

"They have so much quality; when we [Newcastle] played them at St James' Park, we could not touch the ball."

Having spoken so eloquently in Spanish, Gordon's ability to pick up the language so soon before even living in Spain was a subject in itself for the English and Spanish journalists in attendance at his presentation.

"I wanted to speak Spanish because, as a kid, I believed I would play for Barca, believe it or not," Gordon said.

"I have a physio in Newcastle, and we spoke every day and I told him that one day I would play for Barca, so I wanted to learn Spanish."

Following official confirmation of the move, Gordon also paid an emotional farewell to Newcastle.

In a video released by the club, the England international reflected on his time at the club and thanked supporters for their backing throughout his spell on Tyneside.

"I've loved every single minute of playing for Newcastle, being a part of Newcastle," Gordon said.

"It's an incredible club, one I'll never forget, and I'll be a fan for the rest of my life."

The winger also spoke of his affection for St James' Park, describing the stadium and its atmosphere as a defining part of his Newcastle experience.

"I love St James' Park so much, I love playing there," he added. "We've had so many amazing nights, so many big wins.

"I think the energy, the fans, it's been so iconic for me. And I've thoroughly loved every moment playing there."

Gordon reserved special thanks for the people around the club, acknowledging the support he received from the moment he arrived.

"From my first day, the people talked to me straight away when they didn't have to, and I'll never be able to say thank you enough, but thank you very much," he said.

Gordon's decision to move to Barcelona didn't sit well with ex-Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller.

The Bundesliga champions had reportedly agreed personal terms with the England international before Barcelona swooped for the former Everton man.

And speaking with the podcast Bayern Insider, Muller said: "If Barcelona and Bayern come, what was the deciding factor for Gordon not coming to Munich?

"I know Hansi Flick very well, of course. It’s a lot of fun playing under him, both in terms of his leadership and his style of play. But I would go to FC Bayern."

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