New Barcelona Signing Anthony Gordon And Raphinha Set For Battle

BusinessSportsMoneyNew Barcelona Signing Anthony Gordon And Raphinha Set For BattleByTom Sanderson,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tom Sanderson has been primarily based in Barcelona since 2019.Follow AuthorJun 03, 2026, 08:49am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.New FC Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon and Raphinha are set for a direct battle for the left wing spot under Hanis Flick next season.The FA via Getty ImagesNew FC Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon and Raphinha are set for a direct battle for the left wing spot under Hansi Flick next season.Barca shocked their fans and the football world last week when signing the former Newcastle United forward in an $81.7 million deal (€70 million) that could rise past $93 million (€80 million) through add-ons.One of the first questions thrown up by the transfer was whether Gordon and Marcus Rashford can co-exist in the same squad.They’re currently doing that in Thomas Tuchel’s England counterpart, and will try to impress the German for the starting spot during the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in the United States this month.At club level, though, we have to wait and see what happens with Rashford. His loan expires on June 30, and already we’ve had reports on Barca trying to offer half of his $35 million (€30 million) buy option.Where does Raphinha fit into this at Barcelona?Yet not much as really been asked of Raphinha. He’s been Flick’s lock on the left wing, after having to adapt to the rise of Lamine Yamal which pushed him off the right under Xavi Hernandez.MORE FOR YOURaphinha could possibly drift into the centre as a CAM, but that position is pretty stacked with Fermin Lopez - currently injured - and Dani Olmo the main candidates.SPORT believes that Barca pursuing a number 9 puts Gordon and Raphinha into a direct battle.With Robert Lewandowski’s contract expiring on June 3...