Spanish media question Barcelona's £69m Gordon gamble as Rashford outshines him at World Cup

Anthony Gordon’s difficult start to the World Cup has drawn sharp criticism from Spanish media, who have openly questioned why Barcelona spent £69.3 million on the Newcastle winger when Marcus Rashford was available for less than half that figure.

Gordon sealed his move to the Catalan club ahead of the tournament, impressing at his unveiling by addressing supporters in both Spanish and Catalan. But his performances in England’s Group L campaign have been a different story. He was ineffective in the opener against Croatia, failed to make an impact in the draw with Ghana, and was dropped entirely for the group finale against Panama — where Rashford started and Rashford had already come off the bench to score England’s fourth goal against Croatia.

After remaining an unused substitute against Panama, Gordon declined to speak to the media post-match. Spanish outlet ABC was unsparing in its assessment, noting he “ran down the corridor of the mixed zone with the press faster than his attacks on the wing in this World Cup.” The same report warned that Barcelona supporters would be “watching with concern what is happening on England’s left wing during this World Cup” and questioned why Rashford was not signed instead, pointing out that the club “paid a fortune” for Gordon “despite its financial struggles.”

ABC also highlighted the “immense pressure” Gordon faces from “the weight of his transfer fee, the challenge of joining a European giant, the scrutiny of the global stage and constant comparisons” to Lamine Yamal on the opposite flank. “Being measured against one of the world’s best is arguably unfair,” the outlet conceded. “Yet it is to be expected when a club has just staked 80 million euros on you.”

Other Spanish publications were equally critical of his early displays. El Periodico described Gordon as “virtually invisible” against Croatia, while La Vanguardia called him “subdued,” though both acknowledged his defensive contributions.

The contrast with Rashford has added a further dimension to the story. The Manchester United forward, who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, is reported to have held positive talks with United representatives about reviving his Old Trafford career. His World Cup form — a goal against Croatia and a starting role against Panama — has done his prospects no harm, even if Thomas Tuchel’s options on the left flank also include Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers.