Gordon signs for Barcelona: all the details
With more than seven hours’ delay due to bureaucratic problems, Barcelona were finally able to officially present their first signing for the new season.
Bureaucratic issues with the paperwork delayed the official announcement of Anthony Gordon’s signing by Barcelona. The delay lasted more than seven hours, a significant hold-up for a deal of this scale. According to the club, the transfer was never in danger, but the paperwork and fine print involved required the lawyers to be especially thorough. The specific issues related to unresolved tax matters and the receipt of the transfer certificate.
Once those problems were resolved, the English forward signed his new contract with the blaugrana through 2031. He had originally been scheduled to sign at 1 p.m., but the process was not completed until after 8 p.m. What had initially been a lightning-fast operation suddenly slowed to a standstill.
Barcelona will pay $70 million fixed to Newcastle, plus another $10 million in variables linked to collective success and individual performance. The figures underline the club’s strong commitment to the player. Both Deco and Hansi Flick are said to be delighted with the signing.
With the contract finally signed, it was time for Gordon to face the media and speak publicly for the first time as a Barcelona player. He had hoped to hold the presentation at Spotify Camp Nou and even requested it, but was told it was not possible because of the ongoing renovation work.
The forward said the delay in the official announcement never made him anxious because he was convinced the move would go through. “I didn’t worry; I knew it was just a bureaucratic matter. These are things I don’t understand. I was ready at the hotel,” he said. Gordon explained that when his agents informed him of Barcelona’s interest, he did not hesitate, despite also receiving offers from Bayern Munich and Liverpool. “When I learned Barça were interested, I didn’t doubt it for a second. It’s a childhood dream. It’s a huge responsibility. You don’t sign for a club like this every day. I’m very excited.”
The winger struck an ambitious tone in his first press conference. “I want to win everything,” he said. Like everyone at Barcelona, however, he has the Champions League firmly in his sights. “If I can choose, I want the sixth Champions League.” Gordon praised his new teammates, describing them as “the best in the world”, and admitted he was amazed when he faced them with Newcastle earlier this season. “What they did at St James’ Park was remarkable. The way they controlled the game, with Pedri, De Jong...” He also made special mention of Lamine Yamal. “It’s thrilling to be able to play alongside him.”
Anthony Gordon, who revealed he had started studying Spanish because he dreamed of one day playing for Barcelona, compared himself to Raphinha, the player with whom he is expected to compete for a place on the left wing. “I think I’m similar to Raphinha in intensity, speed of play and technique. I’ve come here to help in any way I can,” he concluded.
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