Barcelona Lead Race to Sign Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon Ahead of Arsenal and Bayern Munich

FC Barcelona have positioned themselves at the front of the queue in the race to sign Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, with the Spanish club already engaged in direct negotiations with the Premier League side, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco made a trip to the United Kingdom specifically to initiate talks with Newcastle over the 24-year-old England international, as reported by Romano on X on 27 May 2026, citing Mundo Deportivo. Romano wrote: “Barcelona are in direct club-to-club talks with Newcastle for Anthony Gordon. The player’s keen on the move, but more clubs are also on it. This was the reason of Deco’s mission to the UK, as mundodeportivo reports. Bayern and Premier League clubs are also keen.”

Gordon, who came through the academy at Everton before joining Newcastle in January 2023 in a deal that ultimately rose to around £45 million, has developed into one of English football’s most sought-after wide players. The left-footed winger, capable of operating on either flank, has attracted attention from across Europe following another productive season at St James’ Park.

While Arsenal and Bayern Munich have both been credited with interest in the player, Barcelona appear to have moved most decisively, with Deco’s in-person visit to England signalling the seriousness of the Catalan club’s intent. Gordon is reportedly keen on the proposed move to Camp Nou, though Romano noted that additional clubs remain in contention.

Barcelona are understood to be targeting attacking reinforcements ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Gordon identified as a high-priority addition given his pace, directness, and ability to play across the frontline. The club finished the 2025-26 LaLiga campaign under continued financial scrutiny, and any deal for Gordon would need to align with their registered salary cap under La Liga’s financial regulations.

Newcastle United, who qualified for European competition again this season, are expected to place a significant valuation on Gordon, who remains under contract with the club for several years. The Magpies have previously resisted attempts to prise away key assets, having successfully retained Gordon during a heavily reported Arsenal pursuit in the summer of 2023.

Gordon has represented England at senior international level and was part of the squad during recent international windows, further raising his profile among elite European clubs. At 24, he enters what many consider the peak developmental years for a wide attacker.

With the summer transfer window set to open, the situation is expected to develop rapidly. Whether Newcastle choose to engage further with Barcelona’s advances or hold firm on their valuation will likely define the trajectory of one of the Premier League’s most high-profile potential departures of the window.