Signed instead of Rashford, Anthony Gordon is already proving his worth at Barcelona

Five games, four assists, no goals yet. That is Anthony Gordon’s Barcelona ledger since his May move from Newcastle United, and it already reads like a vindication. The 25-year-old England winger has slotted into the left-wing role Marcus Rashford filled on loan last season without the Catalan attack missing a beat. Gordon calls Barcelona “the biggest club on the planet” and says he dreamed of playing there as a boy. For Thomas Tuchel’s England, a winger thriving at one of Europe’s elite clubs is exactly the kind of headache you want.

Gordon’s Barcelona numbers so far

Anthony Gordon has registered four assists in his first five matches for Barcelona. He is still searching for his first goal, but he is already one of the most productive players in a Barcelona side that scores for fun.

The speed of his integration is the story. Barcelona’s left flank belonged to Marcus Rashford on loan last term; it now belongs to Gordon, and the attack has lost nothing. The former Newcastle man brings pace, direct running and a final ball that consistently finds team-mates in the box.

Why Barcelona chose Gordon over Rashford

Barcelona opted to sign Anthony Gordon permanently rather than extend Marcus Rashford’s stay once his loan expired at the end of the 2025-26 season. The club backed a younger, more vertical profile who could be tied down long term.

Gordon has not hidden his feelings about the move. He described Barcelona as “the biggest club on the planet” and said he had dreamed of playing for them as a child. That hunger shows in every sprint down the touchline.

Rashford’s future was the subject of heavy speculation over the summer, though no next destination had been officially confirmed at the time of the BBC’s report.

What it means for England and the Premier League

For England, Gordon’s form is a direct boost. With a winger creating chances at Barcelona every week, Thomas Tuchel has another in-form option on the left as the national team builds towards its next fixtures. Competition on the flanks is now fierce, and Gordon has put himself firmly in the conversation.

For Newcastle United, the picture is bittersweet. The Magpies banked a significant fee for a player who had become one of their key attackers, and they must now show they can replace his output in the Premier League. For the rest of the division, Gordon’s success abroad is another reminder that La Liga’s giants are increasingly shopping in England.

The goal that is still missing

One number remains stuck on zero: Anthony Gordon’s goals for Barcelona. In five games he has done everything but finish. His assists prove he is arriving in the right areas; the next step is turning that presence into goals.

At Newcastle, Gordon showed he could score consistently across a full Premier League campaign. Barcelona’s coaching staff appear unconcerned: the system is working, and the first goal looks like a matter of time.

FAQ