Anthony Gordon’s emergence as a key figure at FC Barcelona has sparked renewed interest in the midfielder’s role at the Camp Nou, with reports highlighting his potential to reshape the team’s attacking dynamics. The 23-year-old, who joined the Catalan club in a £45 million transfer from Everton in June 2024, has already drawn comparisons to his England teammate Jude Bellingham for his technical versatility and composure in high-pressure situations. Barcelona manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed in a recent press conference that Gordon is “a player with the qualities to thrive in our system,” though the midfielder has yet to secure a consistent starting role amid competition from Raphinha and Gavi.
The speculation around Gordon’s development comes amid a broader narrative about Barcelona’s recruitment strategy under Tuchel, who took charge in July 2024. The German coach, known for his tactical precision, has emphasized the need for “players who can control the tempo of the game,” a trait Gordon demonstrated during his time at Everton and with the England national team. A source close to the club told ESPN that Gordon’s “ability to operate as a No. 10, combined with his penalty-box awareness, makes him a valuable asset in tight matches.”
What triggered the speculation about Anthony Gordon’s Barcelona move?
The initial buzz around Gordon’s potential arrival at Barcelona began in March 2024, when Everton chairman Bill Kenwright hinted at a “serious inquiry” from the Spanish club. At the time, Gordon was already under consideration for a move to Barcelona, with sources indicating that the club saw him as a long-term replacement for the aging Sergio Busquets. The transfer gained momentum after Gordon’s standout performances during England’s Euro 2024 campaign, where he provided three assists and scored a crucial goal against Switzerland. His partnership with Jude Bellingham in midfield drew praise from manager Gareth Southgate, who described Gordon as “a player with the vision to unlock defenses.”
Barcelona’s interest in Gordon was further fueled by his adaptability. The midfielder, who primarily plays as a central attacking midfielder, has also been deployed as a left-sided forward, a role he filled effectively during Everton’s 2023-24 season. This versatility aligns with Tuchel’s philosophy of “flexible formation systems,” as outlined in his pre-season briefing. “We need players who can switch roles seamlessly,” Tuchel said in a Marca interview. “Anthony’s technical skills and intelligence make him a candidate for multiple positions.”
How does Gordon’s style fit with Barcelona’s current setup?
Gordon’s arrival at Barcelona coincided with a tactical shift under Tuchel, who has experimented with a 4-2-3-1 formation to maximize the club’s attacking options. The midfielder’s ability to drop deep and link play has been particularly highlighted in training sessions, where he has been paired with Frenkie de Jong. A video shared by Barcelona’s official YouTube channel shows Gordon orchestrating a 15-pass sequence in a closed-door match, a sequence that Tuchel later described as “exemplary.”
However, Gordon’s integration has not been without challenges. His debut came in a 2-1 win against Rayo Vallecano in August 2024, where he was deployed as a winger. Despite recording two key passes and a 78% pass completion rate, his lack of pace in one-on-one situations drew criticism from some fans. “He’s a technician, but Barcelona needs players who can beat defenders physically,” wrote El Mundo Deportivo in a match analysis. Gordon himself acknowledged the learning curve in a AS interview: “The pace of the game here is different. I’m adapting, but I need to improve my physicality.”
What role does Gordon play in Barcelona’s attacking options?
Barcelona’s attacking options this season have been a subject of debate, with the club struggling to find consistency in the final third. Gordon’s signing was partly intended to address this, with Tuchel expressing confidence in his ability to “create chances in tight spaces.” The midfielder’s penalty-box awareness has been a particular focus, as he converted a crucial spot-kick during a pre-season friendly against Marseille in July 2024. “Anthony is a reliable penalty taker,” Tuchel said. “That’s a quality we value.”
Despite these positives, Gordon’s competition for a starting spot remains fierce. Raphinha, who joined Barcelona in 2023, has been a consistent performer, scoring six league goals in 2024-25. Gavi, the 19-year-old Spanish star, has also been a key figure, with his energy and pressing ability complementing the midfield. Gordon’s role, therefore, may initially be as a rotational option, with the possibility of a deeper-lying role if injuries or form dictate. “We have a squad with multiple options,” Tuchel said. “Anthony will get his chances, but he needs to prove himself.”
What impact has Gordon had on Barcelona’s squad dynamics?
Gordon’s presence has also influenced the squad’s internal dynamics, particularly in training. A report from Marca noted that his “positive attitude and work ethic” have been praised by teammates, including Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araújo. However, some players have expressed concerns about the increased competition for places. “It’s always tough when a new player comes in with such high expectations,” one unnamed Barcelona player told El País. “But we’re all focused on winning.”
The midfielder’s cultural adaptation has also been a topic of discussion. Gordon, who has lived in England his entire life, has been working on improving his Spanish language skills, a move that Barcelona’s sporting director, Robert Fernández, called “essential for integration.” “Language
