Gordon move is surprising, but he can take the next step – Hargreaves
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Gordon joined the Catalan club on Friday, moving from Newcastle United in a deal worth a reported £69.3m (€80million).Hargreaves said that he thought the transfer came as a “bit of a surprise for everyone,” but added that he believes the 25-year-old can improve his game even further at his new club, highlighting Olise’s improvement since joining Bayern from Crystal Palace in 2024.
“I think Anthony is one of those players who, wherever he’s played, he’s played incredibly well,” Hargreaves said. “At Everton, he was terrific. At Newcastle, he’s been terrific.
“I think you see those players, and they can take another step, and I think he’s one of those. You saw it when Michael Olise went from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich.
“He’s been absolutely out of this world. And I think Hansi Flick and Barcelona probably see that he can take another step up.”
Olise joined Bayern as a promising 22-year-old but in the two seasons since, the Frenchman has developed into one of the most dangerous attackers in the world.
‘STUNNING!’ – Brilliant Olise scores superb equaliser
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His attacking creativity was on full display during Bayern’s thrilling two-legged UEFA Champions League semi-final tie with Paris-Saint Germain, despite Bayern eventually losing.
Like Olise, Hargreaves believes Gordon could thrive with the star-studded squad Barcelona boasts.
“Anthony can play off the left, can play off the right, we’ve seen him play as a false nine. He’s a brilliant player,” he said. “And imagine playing with Lamine Yamal and Pedri and [Frenkie] De Jong. So Anthony’s going to go from here to up there so it’s a brilliant move for him.”
Gordon’s move to Barcelona was further put under the microscope for the large fee shelled out to acquire his services.
The reported £69 million spent on the winger would put him seventh in the list of most expensive transfers of British players of all time.
But Hargreaves said he is not fussed about the fee, and that Barcelona are acquiring a player who can have an impact, so they must pay the going rate.
“Look, players cost what they cost. It’s like petrol. It’s like when you go to a restaurant. You pay what it costs,” he explained. “At that level, Anthony’s a Champions League player.
“He scored a ton of goals in the Champions League. OK, he got quite a few penalties, but still. At that level, he’s a proven player in the Premier League and Champions League. That costs a certain amount.
Gordon wins and converts penalty against Man Utd minutes after Newcastle red card
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“I think people just look at Barcelona and think: ‘Wow.’ But I think he deserves it. I wouldn’t agree with that criticism and negativity. There’s always going to be that, but I think he just put himself in position to have a move like that. And when a club like Barca wants you, you’ve got to go.”
Gordon is coming off his most proficient season in front of goal, having scored 17 goals – including 10 in the Champions League – across all competitions.
His 10 goals in the Champions League puts him among the competition’s top scorers, five behind leader Kylian Mbappe and four behind Harry Kane in second.
In total, Gordon made 152 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions, scoring 39 goals and providing 28 assists.
He also has 17 caps for the England senior team, and scored two goals.
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