Three interesting facts about Barcelona new signing Anthony Gordon | OneFootball

Barcelona have finally completed one of the biggest transfers of the summer, officially announcing the arrival of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United after weeks of negotiations.

The deal experienced a slight delay on announcement day due to final contractual formalities, but there was never any real concern that the transfer would collapse. 

Once the paperwork was completed, Barcelona confirmed the signing of the England international on a contract running until June 2031.

The operation is worth €80 million in fixed payments plus a further €10 million in variables, making Gordon one of the club’s most significant investments under Hansi Flick. 

Speaking of Flick, the German was a major supporter of the transfer and views the winger as an important part of his long-term project.

Notably, the 25-year-old had several attractive offers on the table, including interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich. 

However, Gordon consistently prioritised Barcelona and ultimately got the move he had dreamed about.

Now that he has officially arrived at Camp Nou, here are three interesting facts that make Barcelona’s newest signing even more fascinating.

Shares his birthday with Flick

Anthony Gordon (Picture credit: Barcelona official website)

One of the unusual details surrounding Gordon’s arrival is the connection he shares with his new manager.

The English winger was born on February 24, 2001, and coincidentally, Hansi Flick also celebrates his birthday on February 24, creating an unexpected link between coach and player before they have even worked together extensively.

There is another interesting age-related connection inside the Barcelona dressing room as well. 

Gordon belongs to the same generation as several members of the current squad, including Eric Garcia and Joan Garcia, both of whom were born in 2001.

While birthdays obviously do not influence performances on the pitch, it is one of those small details that supporters enjoy discovering whenever a major new signing arrives.

More importantly, Gordon joins a squad filled with players from a similar age group, which should help his adaptation process as he settles into life in Barcelona.

Played alongside several former Barcelona players

Gordon played alongside several former Barcelona players. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Although Gordon is only 25 years old, he has already shared a dressing room with several players who previously represented Barcelona.

Before becoming one of the Premier League’s standout wingers, Gordon spent part of his youth development at Liverpool before moving to Everton at the age of 11. 

It was at Goodison Park where he eventually made his senior debut as a 16-year-old in a Europa League match in 2017.

During his years at Everton, Gordon crossed paths with a number of former Barcelona players.

In that context, Sandro Ramirez, Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes and Yerry Mina were all teammates of the English winger at various stages of his development. 

Having already heard stories and experiences from players who wore the Barcelona shirt, Gordon arrives with at least some understanding of the expectations that come with playing for the Catalan giants.

First player to arrive from Newcastle United

Anthony Gordon is the first player to directly move from Newcastle to Barcelona. (Picture credit: X/@FCBarcelona)

Beyond his footballing qualities, Gordon’s transfer also places him in a unique position in Barcelona’s history books.

The England international becomes the first player ever to join Barcelona directly from Newcastle United.

Despite both clubs having long and rich histories, there has never previously been a transfer involving a player moving directly from Newcastle to Barcelona until now.

Interestingly, Gordon is only the third footballer to represent both clubs during his career.

The first was Patrick Kluivert, who spent six successful seasons at Barcelona before later joining Newcastle. 

The Dutch striker made the move in the opposite direction and remains one of the most recognisable names to have played for both teams.

The second was Luuk de Jong. The Dutch forward spent a brief period at Newcastle earlier in his career before eventually arriving at Barcelona many years later.

Now Gordon becomes the latest name to connect the two clubs and the first to make the direct journey from St James’ Park to Camp Nou.