Anthony Gordon, a 2-for-1 signing for Flick’s Barcelona

Barcelona have already wrapped up the signing of Anthony Gordon, who emerges as one of the most interesting options for the Catalan club. Not only because of his youth, pace and ability to beat opponents, but because he offers something both Deco and Hansi Flick have publicly valued more than once: attacking versatility. The Newcastle player, in that sense, can provide solutions in several positions across the front line.

One of his great strengths, and possibly the reason Barça have focused on him, is that he can perform reliably both as a left winger and as a center forward. That makes him a genuine two-in-one option for any coach. And in modern soccer, that carries huge value. Deco, for example, has welcomed Ferran Torres’ transition from the wing into the No 9 role.

What does Gordon bring to Barcelona?

Starting out wide, Gordon stands out for his pace, boldness in one-on-ones and ability to attack space. His profile fits wonderfully with what Flick wants. As a reference point up front, he is not in the mold of Robert Lewandowski, because he moves far more and also looks for space. Like Ferran, he presses hard when opponents try to play out from the back.

This season at Newcastle, the England international has played 29 games on the left wing, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. He played one game on the right, while the remaining 16 came as a center forward, where he recorded nine goals and one assist.

Both Deco and Flick insist on the importance of having versatile players who can broaden the team’s tactical resources without the need to strengthen several positions. Gerard Martín, for example, began as Alejandro Balde’s backup and has established himself as a left-sided center back. Eric García, a natural central defender, has played as a holding midfielder and is expected to be the starting right back next season. In attack, Ferran began out wide before moving into the No 9 role. Gordon could be very useful for Flick’s Barcelona because of his dynamic movement, pressing and ability to appear in different areas of the field. A little like Raphinha.

Rashford’s situation

The possible signing of Gordon does not mean Marcus Rashford’s continuity can already be ruled out. His situation is the same as it was a few days ago. Barcelona would not mind him staying, but the club will try to renew the loan agreement with Manchester United and the player must accept a significant pay cut. The Catalan club already knows the English forward wants Barcelona and is willing to make the effort to lower his wages.

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