Barcelona's Tactical Shift: Why Gordon Was Preferred Over Rashford

Barcelona sporting director Deco has drawn a clear tactical line between Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford – and explained why only one of them fit Hansi Flick’s blueprint.

Rashford, 28, delivered last season. Fourteen goals in all competitions on loan, a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey. By any measure, that is a successful year in Catalonia.

Barcelona even had a bargain option on the table: a permanent deal from Manchester United for £30.3m (35m euros) at the end of his 12‑month stay.

They walked away.

Rashford’s loan expired, the club chose not to extend his contract, and he returned to Old Trafford. At the same time, Barcelona threw their weight – and their money – behind a different kind of winger.

A Different Profile For Flick

Anthony Gordon arrived from Newcastle United in a deal worth more than 80m euros (£69.3m), one of two headline summer signings alongside Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

For Deco, those moves weren’t about names. They were about fixing specific flaws.

Speaking to Catalan station RAC1 on Thursday, the former midfielder praised Rashford’s impact but made it clear why the club pivoted.

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

That is the crux of it. Flick wants a certain energy on the wings. Gordon, in Deco’s eyes, brings it in a way Rashford does not.

Solving The “Energy Drop” Without Raphinha

Barcelona’s staff had circled one recurring problem last season: when Raphinha was missing, the team’s intensity dipped.

“In the case of Gordon, we saw that he was one of the figures we needed,” Deco explained. “When Raphinha wasn't on the pitch, the team lost energy and with him we could solve it.”

Gordon’s relentless running, direct dribbling and willingness to press high ticked those boxes. The move was helped by the player’s own determination to wear the shirt. The England international has said he believed since he was “three years of age” that he would play for Barcelona, and Deco underlined how that desire shaped the transfer.

“The big advantage we had is that the player wanted to come and he was able to put on pressure [at Newcastle to be allowed to leave],” Deco said.

Beating The Premier League Barrier

Barcelona did not simply pluck Gordon’s name from a hat. Deco revealed that the club went through a wide search before landing on the former Newcastle winger.

“We had a clear idea what we're looking for,” he said. “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.”

So they pushed through the difficulty of negotiating with an English club, paid a premium, and handed Flick the profile he demanded.

The early signs back up that decision. Gordon has already made five appearances for Barcelona and produced four assists. Flick’s side have started La Liga in ruthless form, winning all four of their games, scoring 17 goals and conceding just two.

Rashford helped deliver trophies. Gordon has been brought in to define the next phase.