Barcelona are on the verge of completing a major summer transfer after agreeing a deal with Newcastle United for England international Anthony Gordon. The 25-year-old winger is expected to fly to Catalonia on Thursday to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms, with the move set to be formally completed when the transfer window opens in mid-June.

The deal

Negotiations moved into an advanced stage on Wednesday, with Barcelona's offer meeting Newcastle's valuation. The agreed package is worth approximately £70 million (€80 million; $93.2 million) plus bonuses, with a sell-on clause also included. Newcastle had valued the player at around £75 million, while Barcelona's initial offer was closer to £70 million before add-ons were negotiated. The structure of the payment was a key discussion point, with the Spanish champions wanting to spread out the cost.

“Gordon will fly to Barcelona on Thursday to undergo medical tests and sign the contract.”

Why Newcastle are selling

Newcastle's willingness to part with their leading goalscorer stems from financial realities. CEO David Hopkinson had previously admitted the club would likely need to sell players to reinvest in the summer transfer window. The repercussions of Alexander Isak's £125 million sale to Liverpool last summer are still being felt, leaving Newcastle with an ageing squad and a need for reinforcements across the pitch. The club finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League and failed to strengthen Eddie Howe's team adequately in recent windows.

“Newcastle do not wish to sell their best players as a matter of course. The club's ambitions remain undimmed. Yet, as they have found this season, getting to the summit is neither easy or cheap.”

Gordon's season and suitors

Gordon ended the campaign as Newcastle's top scorer in all competitions with 17 goals, including 10 in the Champions League — making him the joint-third leading scorer in the tournament behind only Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé. However, his Premier League form was inconsistent, and he was not involved in the final six games of the season, initially due to a minor hip injury before being an unused substitute in the closing four fixtures. Bayern Munich had been favourites to sign him, with Liverpool also long-term admirers, but Barcelona moved decisively to secure his signature.

What it means for Barcelona and Rashford

Gordon's arrival effectively ends Marcus Rashford's hopes of making his loan move from Manchester United permanent. The 25-year-old's versatility — he can play on both wings and through the middle — appeals to manager Hansi Flick. Gordon was recently named in Thomas Tuchel's 26-man England squad for the upcoming World Cup and will want his future resolved before joining the national team in Florida on Monday.

“Newcastle are anxious to complete a deal before Gordon flies to Florida on Monday to join the England squad.”

The bigger picture

Gordon joined Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 for an initial £45 million and has made 152 appearances for the club, scoring 39 goals and providing 28 assists. His contract on Tyneside runs until 2030. The transfer marks the start of what is expected to be a busy summer at St James' Park, with the club needing to sell well in order to rebuild a squad that has struggled since Isak's departure.