Mundo Deportivo: Barcelona's Interest in Gordon Advances Beyond Rumors

According to a report in "Diario Sports", Gordon's situation has escalated from "linked with Barcelona" to a more substantial move in just a few hours, as the media photographed the player's agent meeting with Barcelona sporting director Deco. Flick highly appreciates this English attacker who can play as a winger and also fill in as a center forward, but his contract with Newcastle runs until 2030 and his high transfer fee is the biggest obstacle to a deal.

Gordon's name has quickly fermented within hours: after "Daily Sports News" photographed his agent team meeting with Barcelona sporting director Deco, the outside world no longer regards this as just a general transfer rumor. In order to understand how Newcastle locals view Barcelona's interest and the real possibility of Gordon wearing a Barcelona jersey next season, "Daily Sports News" contacted two journalists who have long followed Newcastle - Raff Tindale (Hayters TV) and Sean McCormick (Chronical Live).

Sean McCormick admitted that the picture of the agent and Deco in the same frame caused a shock within Newcastle circles. He said: "Everyone assumes that a star player will be sold this summer, and Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson has also admitted this. In addition to Gordon, Tonali and Livramento are also attracting external interest."

Both reporters focused on Gordon's high price tag. The Chronical Live reporter pointed out: "Newcastle have priced Gordon at £80 million (€92 million). Although there is room for negotiation, I don't think it will drop too much." He added: "He has also been closely linked with Bayern, but Bayern also seems unwilling to pay this level of money. Liverpool and Arsenal are also interested, but Newcastle would rather sell him to other clubs than to domestic competitors in England."

Raff Tindale reminded of a factor that would further increase costs: "Since Newcastle signed him from Everton in 2023, Everton has a 15% repurchase clause." This means that Newcastle will also be tougher in negotiations.

Tindale also emphasized that the city on the River Tyne is still reeling from Isak's "uncomfortable departure" last summer. "If Gordon eventually leaves, the way he leaves will completely determine how Newcastle fans remember him: if they part on good terms, he will be regarded as a hero; if he tries to force a transfer, he will be regarded as a traitor." He mentioned that Gordon refused to participate in training for three consecutive days before leaving Everton that year. McCormick also sighed: "Newcastle is still suffering the consequences of Isak joining Liverpool on the last day of the transfer window."

Talking about the competitive level, both believe that Gordon would be a heavyweight addition to Barcelona. The Hayters TV reporter said: "He is very suitable for Barcelona. He has proven that he can play at the highest level and is the kind of player who can change the outcome of the game on his own." He further said: "Signing a player who can operate across the entire front line would be a stroke of genius. He has all the conditions to grow into a top European winger under Flick's training."

Sean McCormick commented: "Gordon is extremely fast, has excellent dribbling ability, and can continuously create threats in the attacking third. He is very adaptable to high-confrontation, strong physical environments, and is also technically delicate, meeting all requirements."

Both reporters also unanimously mentioned Gordon's personality traits off the field: once he wants something, he can often achieve it. McCormick revealed: "He is very shrewd and ambitious, and has always clearly expressed that he wants to stand at the top of football. He also firmly believes in 'success psychology' and likes to meditate." Tindale added: "One of Gordon's greatest strengths is confidence. The pressure of playing for Barcelona will definitely not affect him."