Barcelona’s move for Anthony Gordon could end up costing less than initially expected thanks to a transfer domino effect already beginning to take shape in the market.
The Catalan side has already reached an agreement with Newcastle United for the English winger in a deal worth €70 million fixed plus another €10 million in variables.
While it remains a major investment, Barça could indirectly recover part of that money through two separate operations involving former academy-linked players.
How is that?
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the first move revolves around Ez Abde.
Newcastle are reportedly considering the Moroccan winger as one of the leading candidates to replace Gordon once the Barcelona deal is completed.
Ez Abde is wanted by Newcastle United. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
That situation is important for Barça because the club still owns 20% of Abde’s future sale value (he has a €60 million release clause) following his departure to Real Betis.
But the chain does not stop there.
Betis, anticipating the possible loss of Abde, are looking at Real Mallorca forward Jan Virgili as a replacement.
Interestingly, Barcelona also stand to benefit there, having retained 40% of a future transfer (his release clause has dropped to €12 million following Mallorca’s relegation) involving the young attacker.
Barcelona have been really smart
Right now, neither transfer has been finalised yet, but there is optimism that both operations could move quickly once the Gordon deal is official.
Real Betis want Virgili to replace Abde. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
If the domino effect fully materialises, Barcelona would effectively recover part of the money invested in the Premier League winger without directly negotiating a lower fee with Newcastle.
Beyond the financial aspect, Gordon is highly valued within the Catalan club for his ability to play across multiple attacking positions.
Barcelona believe the 25-year-old fits perfectly into the faster and more vertical attacking structure Hansi Flick is building for next season.
And if Abde and Jan Virgili’s situations eventually help reduce the overall economic impact of the operation, the Gordon deal could end up looking even smarter.
