Barcelona president Joan Laporta personally called Anthony Gordon to seal a proposed move to the Catalan club, pulling the transfer ahead of Bayern Munich. The Newcastle winger is expected to join Barcelona in a £69.3million deal plus add-ons and is currently undergoing a medical. German outlet Bild reported that Laporta assured the 25-year-old England international of a smooth registration despite the club’s well-documented financial difficulties. Bayern had initially agreed personal terms with Gordon but offered a lower transfer fee, which slowed negotiations and allowed Hansi Flick’s side to take control. Bayern’s executives believed that Barcelona were bluffing — that their talks with Gordon were deliberately leaked to pressure Manchester United into lowering the asking price for Marcus Rashford. Rashford is due to return to Old Trafford this summer; Barcelona hold an option to buy him permanently for £26million. However, by the time Bayern realised Barcelona’s intentions were genuine, an agreement for Gordon was already in place, with the Spanish club outbidding Vincent Kompany’s side by £10million. Laporta confirmed the move was entering its final stages after dining with sporting director Deco and advisor Alejandro Echevarría, stating: “Gordon’s deal is being finalised, but it’s not done. I know all the details.” Gordon’s arrival leaves Rashford’s prospects at Barcelona uncertain, while talks between United and Barcelona continue.
