Newcastle receive first installment of Gordon transfer fee from Barcelona on schedule

According to English media outlet Chronicle Live, Newcastle United has received the first installment of Gordon's transfer fee from Barcelona on schedule, despite earlier reports in Spanish media suggesting that Barcelona had planned to delay part of the payment.

On May 29 this year, Barcelona and Newcastle reached an agreement on Gordon's transfer. The England international joined the La Liga champions for a fixed transfer fee of £69 million plus add-ons.

Previously, Spanish media outlet El Desmarque reported that Barcelona had initially hoped to postpone a payment of £18.88 million until June 2027, and claimed that Barcelona subsequently renegotiated with Newcastle, agreeing to pay £38 million upfront, followed by a second payment to bring the total fixed transfer fee to £69 million.

However, Chronicle Live understands that this is not the case. Newcastle has received the first installment according to the original schedule, with the funds facilitated by Barcelona through financing.

The report states that if Barcelona did experience payment delays, the outstanding amount would more likely be a financing arrangement with banks, rather than overdue transfer fees owed to Newcastle. There has been no renegotiation of payment terms between Newcastle and Barcelona, and Barcelona is not currently in arrears on transfer payments to Newcastle.

In addition to the fixed transfer fee of £69 million, Newcastle could receive up to an extra £8.5 million in performance-related add-ons if Gordon plays in at least 60% of matches each season and helps Barcelona win a title.

Gordon made significant progress during his three and a half seasons at Newcastle. Since joining Barcelona, he has made an excellent start to the season, contributing 5 assists in his first 5 appearances.

For the England squad, Gordon has replaced Marcus Rashford as a key option on the left wing. At Barcelona, he has also taken Rashford's place. Rashford returned to Manchester United this summer after a loan spell at Barcelona last season.

When asked why Gordon was chosen instead of keeping Rashford, Barcelona's sporting director Deco said: "We are very grateful to Rashford; he contributed a lot to the team last season. However, our playing philosophy is more aligned with Gordon's characteristics. His style is more what the head coach is looking for."

"With Gordon, we believe he is one of the players the team needs. When Raphinha is not on the pitch, the team loses some dynamism, and Gordon can help us solve that problem."

Deco also stated: "Our biggest advantage is that the player himself was very keen to join, and he was also able to put pressure on Newcastle to push for his departure."

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