Deco explains Barcelona choice of Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 3:30 PM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026
Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed the club opted to sign Anthony Gordon rather than trigger a permanent transfer for Marcus Rashford this summer. Rashford, who spent last season on loan with the Catalan club, returned to Manchester United after Barcelona decided against extending his stay for £30.3m. Deco stated that the team’s tactical requirements under coach Hansi Flick necessitated a player with Gordon’s specific profile to provide additional intensity on the wing. While acknowledging Rashford’s contributions during the previous campaign, the sporting director noted that the squad lacked energy when Raphinha was unavailable, a gap the club believes Gordon fills. Barcelona secured Gordon from Newcastle United in a deal valued at more than 80m euros. The forward has since made five appearances for the club, recording four assists.
- •Barcelona passed on the opportunity to sign Marcus Rashford permanently for £30.3m.
- •Anthony Gordon arrived from Newcastle United in a deal worth over 80m euros.
- •Deco identified a need for increased intensity in the wide positions.
- •Gordon has recorded four assists in his first five appearances for Barcelona.
- •Barcelona have won all four of their La Liga matches to date.
- 3:30 PMBBC Sport — Gordon a better fit for Barca than Rashford - Deco
- 12:23 PMESPN Soccer — Barça's Deco: Gordon a better fit than Rashford
"Barcelona sporting director Deco says Anthony Gordon's style was a better fit for Hansi Flick's side than Marcus Rashford's as the club strengthened their squad this summer.
"Barcelona sporting director Deco said the club signed Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford because he fits the team's style of play better.
Sources
External links- BBC SportSep 10, 2026, 3:30 PMGordon a better fit for Barca than Rashford - Deco
Barcelona sporting director Deco says Anthony Gordon's style was a better fit for Hansi Flick's side than Marcus Rashford's as the club strengthened their squad this summer.
- ESPN SoccerSep 10, 2026, 12:23 PMBarça's Deco: Gordon a better fit than Rashford
Barcelona sporting director Deco said the club signed Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford because he fits the team's style of play better.
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