Barcelona's Potential Lineup Unleashed: Where Anthony Gordon Would Fit In

It's no secret that Barcelona are looking to bolster their already formidable attack ahead of the 2026–27 campaign, and in recent days, reports have emerged suggesting Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon is among the candidates the defending Spanish champions are eyeing.

According to Catalan outlet RAC 1, Gordon—who netted against Barcelona earlier this season—is one of the names Barcelona are keeping tabs on as the summer transfer window approaches. A meeting has reportedly already occurred between Gordon's representatives and Barça sporting director Deco, according to SPORT.

The substantial fee Newcastle United will demand for the England international, who remains contracted with the club until 2030, is considered the primary hurdle Barcelona would need to clear, particularly given that other top European clubs are also circling the winger.

Nevertheless, at just 25 years old, Gordon's age, adaptability, and undeniable quality could easily entice Barcelona to enter the race for his signature this summer, particularly if the club's financial situation continues to stabilize as president Joan Laporta has repeatedly suggested.

The story will develop over the coming months, but should Gordon indeed make his way to Catalonia, here's how Barcelona could set up with the highly coveted Englishman in their ranks.

Taking Over for Raphinha on Left Wing

The left wing is where Gordon is most comfortable, and while that position is currently occupied by Raphinha in Hansi Flick's setup, the Brazilian is capable of functioning across multiple areas of the attack.

Gordon is a direct, sharp, and pacey winger who thrives on exploiting space with runs in behind the defensive line—traits he shares with Raphinha and that are central to Flick's attacking philosophy. The two could coexist in the same starting XI with Raphinha deployed centrally, a role he frequently fills for Brazil's national side and one Flick has experimented with on occasion.

Earlier in the 2025–26 season, Marcus Rashford started several matches on the left with Raphinha operating in the No. 10 role. However, Rashford doesn't carry the same profile as the aforementioned pair; he prefers to receive the ball to feet before initiating his runs. Rather than stretching the pitch as Gordon or Raphinha would, Rashford cluttered the space in the final third around the edge of the box, leaving the Brazilian winger limited room to work with.

This problem is unlikely to arise with Gordon, meaning Raphinha's effectiveness wouldn't be compromised. The Englishman is also diligent defensively and relentless in his pressing—qualities that are vital for Flick's system to function at its best.

Additionally, Lamine Yamal has shone on several occasions when deployed as a No. 10 this season. With the teenager operating as an attacking midfielder, Gordon could feature on the left while Raphinha takes the right. Surrounding Yamal with dynamic runners on both flanks could be the ideal formula to unlock his full potential as a creative force through the middle of the attack.

Finally, speculation surrounding Raphinha's future has begun to gather momentum in recent weeks. Should the Brazilian depart, Gordon would be his most natural successor.

Gordon Spearheading Flick's Potent Attack

Newcastle invested heavily in strikers Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa to fill the void left by the departing Callum Wilson and the much-debated Alexander Isak heading into the season. Yet ultimately, it was Gordon who ended up leading the line for Eddie Howe's side—and that's precisely the role he could fill for a striker-hungry Barcelona.

The Robert Lewandowski era at the Catalan club is most likely drawing to a close this summer, and it's widely known that Barcelona are in the market for a world-class center forward to succeed him. Julián Álvarez remains the top target, but that deal presents complications and Barça may be forced to explore other avenues.

Gordon could be just the answer. His transition to striker has been remarkably smooth, registering a career-best 17 goals across all competitions this term, including 10 in the Champions League—placing him behind only Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé in goals per 90 minutes in the competition.

Admittedly, Gordon doesn't share the same striker profile as Lewandowski, but Barcelona's attack has looked equally impressive—if not sharper in certain moments—when deploying Ferran Torres or even Dani Olmo as a false nine. Gordon's ability to combine with fellow attackers and his relentless movement would make Barcelona's attack even more fluid, as opposed to relying on a more static target man up front.

With Gordon leading the line, no other Barça attacker would need to shift positions, and the rapidly developing Fermín López—who has reached 30 goal contributions this season—could continue his rise and retain his spot in the starting XI.

"I feel as my career progresses, I'll end up more central," Gordon told TNT Sports earlier in the season, via The Athletic.

Given Barcelona's most pressing needs and the direction Gordon's career appears to be heading, a striker role seems like the most probable fit should the 25-year-old Englishman join the Blaugrana this summer.