According to The Athletic, Gordon was a “special request” from Barcelona manager Hansi Flick. The German coach was “taken by the attacker’s breathless display” when Barcelona faced Newcastle in the Champions League.
Barcelona won that game 2-1 at St James’ Park in the group phase of the competition but Gordon impressed for the home side and scored a consolation goal late on.
The report adds that Gordon’s “outrageous pressing statistics” are another reason why Barca were so keen to recruit him and that he’s seen as a better fit than Marcus Rashford.
Flick is also said to have been impressed by Gordon’s “movements from wide and central areas” during the game against Barcelona, with his versatility meaning he can play on either flank or through the middle as a No. 9.
