Deco explains why Anthony Gordon fits Flick's Barcelona better than Rashford
Barcelona sporting director Deco has opened up on the club's summer transfer business and the decision to sign Anthony Gordon instead of keeping Marcus Rashford. The Portuguese executive highlighted Gordon's playing style and his ability to maintain intensity when key pieces are missing as decisive factors.
ByInfoBlaugrana
5 min read
Barcelona chose to sign Anthony Gordon this summer rather than trigger their purchase option on Marcus Rashford, and sporting director Deco has now explained the reasoning behind one of the club's biggest squad decisions. Speaking to RAC1, the former Portugal international insisted that the former Newcastle United winger's profile fits Hansi Flick's playing philosophy far better.
- Deco says Gordon's style is a much better match for Flick's demands than Rashford's.
- Rashford scored 14 goals on loan, but Barcelona declined to pay the €35 million option to sign him permanently.
- Gordon and Rodri were Barcelona's two most expensive summer signings.
- The England winger has contributed four assists in his first five appearances.
- Barcelona have won all four La Liga games, scoring 17 goals and conceding only two.
Why Barcelona picked Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford
Rashford produced solid numbers during his loan spell at the Camp Nou last season, scoring 14 goals across all competitions and helping the team win both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Barcelona held an option to make the move permanent for around €35 million at the end of his twelve-month loan, but the club's decision-makers chose not to activate it, sending the forward back to Manchester United.
Deco was quick to acknowledge the England international's contribution, though he explained why the technical staff ultimately went in another direction. "We are extremely grateful to Rashford," he said. "He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony's. His style fits with what the coach is looking for."
The energy Barcelona lost when Raphinha was unavailable
One of the main reasons Barcelona turned their attention to Gordon was the drop in intensity the team suffered whenever Raphinha was missing. The sporting department identified that weakness and made it a priority when planning the summer rebuild.
In the case of Gordon, we saw that he was one of the figures we needed. When Raphinha wasn't on the pitch, the team lost energy and with him we could solve it. The big advantage we had is that the player wanted to come and he was able to put on pressure at Newcastle to be allowed to leave.
Barcelona scouted a wide range of wingers before settling on Gordon. Deco admitted that luring a key player away from the Premier League is an extremely difficult task, but Flick's clarity about the profile he wanted made the operation easier from the start. "We had a clear idea what we're looking for," he explained. "We needed more intensity. We analysed a lot of wingers. Signing someone from the Premier League is almost impossible, but Flick was clear with what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there."
Gordon and Rodri: the headline signings of the new project
The winger signed from Newcastle and midfielder Rodri, who arrived from Manchester City, were Barcelona's two most expensive additions of the summer window. Deco stressed that both signings addressed important weaknesses in the squad and gave the team a significant jump in specific areas of the pitch.
Gordon moved to Catalonia in a deal worth more than €80 million and said he had believed since the age of three that he would one day play for Barcelona. The club, for its part, sees him as a player capable of maintaining the physical intensity and directness Flick demands on the left flank.
A flying start in Barcelona colours
Gordon's impact has been immediate. In his first five appearances for the club he has already provided four assists, a clear sign of his ability to create danger from the wing. Barcelona have made a perfect start to the league season, winning all four of their opening matches while scoring 17 goals and conceding just two.
The winger's performances back up Deco's assessment and make it clear that the decision to pursue his profile was based on footballing reasons rather than simple economics. While Rashford looks to reignite his career at Old Trafford, Gordon has become one of the standout names of Barcelona's early-season form.
Frequently asked questions about Anthony Gordon's transfer
Frequently asked questions
How much did Barcelona pay for Anthony Gordon?
Barcelona completed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a deal worth more than €80 million. It was one of the club's two most expensive additions of the summer transfer window, along with Rodri.
Why did Barcelona not sign Marcus Rashford permanently?
Barcelona had a €35 million purchase option on Rashford after his loan spell but decided not to activate it. Deco explained that, despite the forward's strong goal return, Gordon's style is a much better fit for Hansi Flick's system.
How many appearances and assists does Gordon have for Barcelona?
Anthony Gordon has played five official matches for Barcelona at the start of the season and has registered four assists. The team has won all four of its La Liga games, scoring 17 goals.