Gordon a better fit for Barca than Rashford - Deco

WHAT HAPPENED
Barcelona sporting director Deco told Catalan radio station RAC1 that Anthony Gordon's profile better matches Hansi Flick's tactical idea than Marcus Rashford's, explaining why the club prioritised Gordon this summer. Barcelona signed Gordon from Newcastle in a deal worth more than €80m and also brought in Manchester City's Rodri as one of their two most expensive arrivals.

Deco acknowledged Rashford's contribution during his 12‑month loan but confirmed Barcelona chose not to trigger the reported £30.3m buy option; Rashford returned to Manchester United. Deco said the club had identified a need for greater energy on the wing and believed Gordon could supply that.

KEY CONTEXT
- Rashford scored 14 goals while on loan at Barcelona in a season that ended with La Liga and Copa del Rey success for the club.
- Gordon joined from Newcastle for in excess of €80m (£69.3m) and has said he dreamed of playing for Barcelona since early childhood.
- Deco described Barcelona’s recruitment as driven by Hansi Flick’s specifications and by the difficulty of signing players from the Premier League.
- Through the start of the domestic campaign cited in the source, Barcelona had won all four La Liga matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding two. Gordon had made five appearances and delivered four assists.

WHY IT MATTERS
Deco frames the Gordon signing as a targeted solution to a specific squad shortcoming: a drop in intensity when Raphinha was not on the pitch. If Deco’s assessment proves accurate, Gordon’s arrival represents a tactical signing aimed at preserving the pressing and energy Flick wants from his wide players. The decision to pass on a cheaper permanent deal for Rashford underlines Barcelona’s willingness to back players they see as a closer fit to the coach’s style, even at a substantially higher transfer cost.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Gordon maintains the attacking returns he’s produced so far (four assists in five appearances) and consistently provides the heightened intensity Deco described.
- How Barcelona cope in matches when Raphinha is unavailable and if Gordon becomes the regular solution to that issue.
- The broader impact of the summer recruitment (including Rodri) on Flick’s system as the season progresses.

KEY FACTS
- Deco is Barcelona’s sporting director and spoke to RAC1 about the club’s summer business.
- Barcelona could have signed Rashford permanently for a reported £30.3m after his loan but chose not to; he returned to Manchester United.
- Gordon was signed from Newcastle for more than €80m (£69.3m).
- Gordon has made five appearances for Barcelona and registered four assists.
- Barcelona had won their first four La Liga games, scoring 17 and conceding two (as reported).