Barcelona Move Puts Liverpool on Alert in Anthony Gordon Transfer Race
Barcelona have accelerated their pursuit of Anthony Gordon and now appear to be leading the race for the Newcastle United winger ahead of Liverpool and Bayern Munich. According to the Daily Mail, discussions between Barcelona and Newcastle are already underway, with the overall package expected to approach £80 million including add-ons.
For Liverpool, the situation is becoming increasingly delicate. Gordon has been admired at Anfield for years and came remarkably close to joining the club before Newcastle pulled the plug on a proposed deal during the summer of Euro 2024. That move collapsed late in the process, despite preparations for a medical already being arranged in Germany.
Now Barcelona are attempting to take advantage of the uncertainty.
The Spanish champions see Gordon as an ideal fit for their evolving forward line. His direct running, relentless intensity and ability to attack defenders one-on-one make him an attractive option for a side seeking greater pace and aggression in wide areas. Deco has reportedly held talks with Gordon’s representatives in London, underlining Barcelona’s determination to push negotiations forward quickly.
There remains a financial challenge for the Catalan club. Barcelona may need to offload players before they can register Gordon under La Liga regulations, but there is growing confidence that a deal can still be completed before the World Cup.
Liverpool Interest Refuses to Disappear
Liverpool’s admiration for Gordon has never truly faded. The England international remains highly regarded internally because of his tactical flexibility and home-grown status, while his aggressive pressing style would suit Arne Slot’s system naturally.
Paul Joyce reports in The Times: “Liverpool will prioritise the signing of wingers to improve their attacking options this summer. Anthony Gordon remains a prime target should Luis Diaz decide to leave.”
That assessment reflects Liverpool’s current transfer thinking. Gordon is not the only name under consideration, but he remains firmly on the radar despite Barcelona’s advance.
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is another player attracting serious attention from Liverpool, while Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola is also admired. Yet Gordon offers something different. He understands the intensity of English football, carries Premier League experience and possesses the kind of edge supporters at Anfield tend to appreciate immediately.
Even during an injury-disrupted campaign, Gordon still managed six Premier League goals for Newcastle and remained one of Eddie Howe’s most dangerous attacking outlets. His Champions League displays were particularly impressive, including a stunning four-goal haul against Qarabag earlier this year.
Barcelona may currently hold the advantage, but Liverpool’s long-standing interest means this transfer story is far from finished.
Newcastle Face Difficult Summer Decision
Newcastle do not want to lose Gordon. Internally, he is viewed as one of the club’s foundational players as they attempt to establish themselves among Europe’s elite sides.
However, modern football economics rarely allow sentiment to dominate negotiations. An £80 million proposal would place Newcastle under serious pressure, particularly with Financial Fair Play considerations continuing to shape transfer strategy across the Premier League.
Everton are also monitoring developments closely because they hold a 15 per cent sell-on clause from Gordon’s original £45 million move to Newcastle in 2023.
Eddie Howe has consistently defended Gordon during speculation surrounding his future. The winger’s work rate and emotional intensity have made him hugely popular on Tyneside, while his development under Howe has elevated him into a regular England international.
Yet Gordon himself appears open to a move abroad. Reports suggest conversations have already taken place with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, while personal terms with Bayern had been progressing for several weeks before Barcelona surged forward.
That preference could become decisive.
Barcelona Opportunity Could Change Everything
Barcelona believe Gordon can become one of the defining wide forwards of the next generation. Their recruitment staff see similarities between Gordon’s aggressive transitions and the high-tempo football traditionally associated with elite European competition.
For Liverpool, the challenge is obvious. They risk watching a long-term target flourish elsewhere unless they decide to intervene decisively.
There is also an emotional layer to the story. Gordon was born in Liverpool and spent time in Liverpool’s academy before developing through Everton’s system. A move to Anfield would inevitably dominate headlines across Merseyside.
At present, though, Barcelona are setting the pace.
The coming weeks could prove critical. If Barcelona can balance their finances quickly enough, they may secure one of the Premier League’s most explosive attacking players before Liverpool fully commit to entering the bidding war.
For now, Gordon remains a Newcastle player. But with Barcelona pressing hard and Liverpool watching closely, one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas is rapidly gathering momentum.