The Newcastle United winger has agreed personal terms with the Catalan club following a visit to London by Barcelona sporting director Deco, and has indicated to those around him that a move to the Spotify Camp Nou is where he wants to go.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Wednesday morning that Barcelona are in direct club-to-club talks with Newcastle, adding that Gordon is keen on the move. Mundo Deportivo went further, reporting that Deco's London trip — understood initially to concern Chelsea striker João Pedro — had Gordon as its primary objective, and that the mission proved decisive in turning the player's head.
The financial obstacle remains significant. Newcastle have valued Gordon at between £75 million and £80 million and hold firm on that position. Barcelona, constrained by Financial Fair Play restrictions that limit their spending to player sale revenue, are currently unwilling to meet that figure outright and are exploring a deal structured around an initial fee closer to £65 million with add-ons.
Bayern Munich were considered favourites for most of this month after opening formal discussions with Newcastle and reportedly agreeing terms with the player. BILD reported Bayern were even considering including goalkeeper Alexander Nübel in a player-plus-cash offer to bridge the valuation gap. That route now appears blocked, with Gordon's preference firmly established.
Liverpool also entered the race this week. Arne Slot's side are in the market for a wide forward to replace Mohamed Salah, and Gordon was identified as a direct target. The emotional pull of a return to Merseyside — Gordon is from Liverpool and came through Everton's academy — was discussed internally. But Barcelona's project under Hansi Flick, including the presence of Lamine Yamal and the club's Champions League ambitions, appears to have won the argument.
Newcastle United chief executive David Hopkinson has stated publicly that the club will only sell on their terms. Gordon is the club's most sellable asset following a 12th-place Premier League finish that leaves them without European football and facing potential UEFA financial compliance obligations, having recorded losses of £181 million over three years — significantly above UEFA's £52 million limit.
Gordon finished the season as Newcastle's top scorer with 18 goals across all competitions. He was an unused substitute for the club's final six league games, a decision Eddie Howe confirmed was partly about protecting the player ahead of a likely summer exit.
"He obviously goes to the World Cup now," Howe said when asked if Gordon had played his last game for the club. "We wish him well."
The gap between what Newcastle want and what Barcelona can currently offer remains the story. But the gap in the player's preference is no longer a question.