Barcelona bosses push ahead with a hard-fought deal with the Newcastle side after breaking Anthony Gordon’s contract with Bayern Munich, with the fee set to be paid in installments over the next five years
Anthony Gordon makes a big-money move to Barcelona – a smart deal (Image: News Images/NurPhoto)
Newcastle United have agreed to help Barcelona spread the cost of Anthony Gordon’s contract at the Nou Camp.
This means Barcelona will pay his initial fee of £70m in installments between now and 2031. The Spanish giants, who have debts of more than £2bn, insisted that the deal be structured this way.
Barça were £10m more expensive than German giants Bayern Munich and were hoping for favors from Newcastle in return. Bayern CEO Jan Christian Dresen was willing to spend £60m on Gordon, but was not prepared to become involved in the battle for the England international.
Gordon has agreed a five-year contract and is undergoing a medical check in Spain. The move also includes a bonus payable to Gordon based on his performance as the Spanish champions.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will receive a portion of the 25-year-old’s future sale price. Everton included a for-sale clause in his £45m contract, meaning they would sell Gordon to Newcastle and take a 15 per cent cut of the winger’s move to Barcelona.
The signing of Gordon has raised questions about Marcus Rashford’s immediate future. Rashford revived his sluggish career after a successful season on loan at Barcelona.
Barcelona have agreed a £26m transfer fee with Manchester United and have the option to make the move permanent. However, given Rashford’s wages of more than £300,000-a-week, it would be cheaper to sign Gordon in the long term.
Rashford’s representatives remain relaxed about what will happen next. Negotiations between United and Barcelona are still ongoing, with United believing Barca have the necessary funds to sign him.
What does the future hold for Marcus Rashford? (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
If he returns, he and Gordon won’t compete for the starting spot. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is reportedly considering using Gordon as a striker next season following the departure of Robert Lewandowski.
This is what Gordon’s agent discussed with Barcelona’s sporting director Deco during negotiations.
Despite scoring 55 goals in 90 games for Barça over the past two seasons, there is also speculation that Rafinha could leave Camp Nou, increasing the chances of Rashford remaining at the Catalan club. The Brazilian turns 30 in December and Barça may be looking for cash to even the books.
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