Both are English stars with versatility: Barcelona opts not to sign Rashford for €30 million, instead paying €80 million for Gordon.

Is it conceivable? As fellow English stars on England's 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup, Barcelona rejected a €30 million move for Rashford, preferring to spend heavily on Gordon. Both players can play on the left wing or as a number nine. They can serve as understudies for Raphinha and also fill the position vacated by Lewandowski.

According to the latest report from Romano, Barcelona has signed 25-year-old English forward Gordon from Newcastle for a total package of up to €80 million, with a fixed fee of €70 million plus add-ons. Gordon will travel to Barcelona on Thursday for his medical and to sign the contract!

Gordon came through the Everton academy. He joined Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 for €45.6 million. So far, he has made 152 appearances across all competitions, scoring 39 goals and providing 22 assists, and won the 2024-25 League Cup with the team.

Gordon is now 25 years old, 1.83 meters tall, a right-footed left winger who has frequently played as a center forward this season. He is valued at €60 million by Transfermarkt, with 17 goals and 5 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions this season.

So why did Barcelona refuse to buy out Rashford for €30 million but spend a total of €80 million on Gordon? The reason boils down to one word: laziness. Rashford had 14 goals and 12 assists during his loan at Barcelona this season — impressive stats, but he can't hide his lazy playing style. Gordon's work rate and enthusiasm are exactly what Flick's tactics require. Rashford is only suited to being the core player of a mid-to-lower-table team, needing a supporting cast of workhorses or serving as a counter-attacking threat; he is not effective in positional attacks.

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