Rashford back to United as Barcelona choose €70m Anthony Gordon

Barcelona prioritised Anthony Gordon over a permanent move for Marcus Rashford, aligning with Hansi Flick’s plans after the United forward’s 14-goal loan helped deliver La Liga and the Spanish Supercup. The champions declined a €30m option on Rashford and committed €70m to sign Gordon from Newcastle.

"We are extremely grateful to Rashford," Deco said, speaking to RAC1. "He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony. His style fits with what the coach is looking for."

"We needed more intensity. We analysed a lot of wingers. Signing someone from the Premier League is almost impossible, but [Flick] was clear with what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there."

Gordon arrived as part of a busy summer that also brought Rodri, Joao Cancelo, Karim Adeyemi, Gabriel Jesus and Dominik Livakovic to the Camp Nou. Bernardo Silva instead chose Clasico rivals Real Madrid.

"It's not up to me to say if he is going to play or not, that's the coach's decision. But he had a different perception to us after playing [regularly] at City. He wanted to play."

The England winger is yet to score but has five assists in five outings, equalling a La Liga record. He has already drawn chants at the Camp Nou, including during a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano, as Flick leans on his intensity.

Source: Goal.com

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