Barcelona sporting director Deco has revealed why the Catalan giants decided against making Marcus Rashford’s loan move permanent and instead spent more than €80 million to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, making a significant contribution as the club enjoyed a successful campaign. The England forward scored 14 goals in all competitions and helped Barcelona win both La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona had the option to sign Rashford permanently for £30.3 million (€35 million), but the club ultimately chose not to activate the clause.
Instead, Barcelona identified Gordon as a better fit for head coach Hansi Flick’s tactical approach and completed a deal worth more than €80 million (£69.3 million) for the England winger.
According to BBC, Deco said Barcelona were grateful for Rashford’s contribution but believed Gordon’s style was more compatible with the football Flick wanted the team to play.
“We are extremely grateful to Rashford. He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony. His style fits with what the coach is looking for,” Deco said.
Deco explained that Barcelona were particularly keen to add greater energy and intensity to their attack, especially in situations where Brazilian winger Raphinha was unavailable.
“In the case of Gordon, we saw that he was one of the figures we needed. When Raphinha wasn’t on the pitch, the team lost energy and with him we could solve it,” he added.
The sporting director also revealed that Barcelona had considered several attacking players before settling on Gordon, with Flick playing a key role in determining the profile of winger the club wanted.
“We needed more intensity. We analysed a lot of wingers. But [Flick] was clear with what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there,” Deco explained.
Gordon has already begun justifying Barcelona’s decision, making an impressive start to his career at the club. The England international has registered four assists in his first five appearances.
Barcelona have also made a perfect start to the new La Liga campaign, winning all four of their matches while scoring 17 goals and conceding just two.
For Deco, therefore, Gordon was not simply brought in as a replacement for Rashford. Rather, Barcelona viewed the 25-year-old as a player whose pace, energy and intensity were better suited to Flick’s tactical vision.
The decision could ultimately prove significant as Barcelona look to maintain their domestic dominance and compete strongly on the European stage this season.
