Müller questions Gordon's choice of Barcelona over Bayern Munich in £70m move

Thomas Müller has cast doubt on Anthony Gordon’s judgement after the England winger chose Barcelona over Bayern Munich in a £70 million transfer from Newcastle United this week.

Gordon signed a five-year contract at Camp Nou despite Bayern having registered serious interest in the 24-year-old during the same window. The Bavarian club reportedly drew the line at £60 million, leaving Barcelona to meet Newcastle’s valuation and secure the deal.

Müller, speaking to Bild, said he understood the pull of working under Hansi Flick — a coach he knows well from the German national team — but stopped short of endorsing the decision. “If Barcelona and Bayern come, what was the deciding factor for Gordon not coming to Munich?” Müller said. “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.”

Gordon, for his part, made clear at his Barcelona unveiling that sentiment played a central role. “I wanted to speak Spanish because as a kid I believed I would play for Barça, believe it or not,” he said. “I was excited to play for Barça when I was three years of age.”

He added that once Barcelona’s interest became concrete, there was no deliberation. “As soon as I knew Barça was a serious option there was never any question. I always wanted Barça. Barça are the biggest club on the planet. I know it comes with a lot of responsibility. I’m ready for that kind of challenge.”

Gordon arrives at Barcelona off the back of his most productive club season to date, having scored 17 goals for Newcastle — though nine of those came from the penalty spot. He has also been named in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, bringing 17 caps and two international goals into the tournament.

The move ends what had been an inconsistent final campaign at St James’ Park, and places Gordon in one of European football’s most scrutinised environments from the outset of his Barcelona career.