Barcelona explore Anthony Gordon as £75m alternative to permanent Rashford deal

Barcelona are in talks with Newcastle United over a move for Anthony Gordon as they weigh up alternatives to signing Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United, according to reports.

The Catalan club hold an option to buy Rashford from United for £26million this summer following his loan spell, and are said to have already agreed personal terms with the forward. However, Barcelona are hoping to negotiate a lower fee with United while simultaneously exploring other attacking targets — with striker Robert Lewandowski set to leave at the end of his contract.

Gordon, 24, has emerged as one of those alternatives. Bayern Munich have also made their interest in the Newcastle winger clear, and Liverpool have maintained a long-standing pursuit. The competition for his signature is expected to drive his valuation — currently believed to be around £75million — significantly higher. It remains unclear whether Barcelona would be willing or able to pursue both England internationals in the same window.

Gordon arrived at Newcastle from Everton for £45million in January 2023 and has been central to the club’s recent rise. He contributed to Newcastle ending their 70-year wait for major silverware in the 2024-25 Carabao Cup final and helped secure a Champions League berth. This season he registered 17 goals, 10 of which came in the Champions League — including a consolation strike against Barcelona at St. James’ Park, the same match in which Rashford scored twice on his return to England.

Despite those numbers, Gordon’s influence has dipped slightly this campaign. Head coach Eddie Howe omitted him from the squad following his return from injury, citing the club’s need to manage his workload carefully as the season reached its conclusion.

The situation leaves Newcastle in a delicate position. Should Gordon depart, the club would lose one of the key figures behind their resurgence — a player whose combination with Jacob Murphy formed a productive attacking partnership after Alexander Isak’s £130million move to Liverpool last summer.