Full Breakdown
Anthony Gordon’s Barcelona Move Stalls on Registration Amid Financial Constraints
8/13/2026, 12:10:02 AM
Transfer and Current Registration Status
Anthony Gordon’s move from Newcastle United to FC Barcelona was confirmed in May for a fee that could rise to £69.3 million, with the 25-year-old signing a five-year contract. Despite the deal being finalized almost three months ago, Gordon has not yet received a La Liga squad number as the season approaches. Barcelona have told Gordon’s representatives that there will be no problems registering him for the new campaign, but the club’s ongoing registration process remains incomplete.
Financial and Regulatory Context
Barcelona’s ability to register new signings is limited by La Liga’s salary-cap rules. The club previously struggled to register Dani Olmo, who missed a substantial portion of a season because of similar constraints. Gordon is reported to be among the highest earners at Barcelona, intensifying the need for sufficient salary space. The club’s recent departure of World Cup winner Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain is expected to free up significant funds; Torres scored 21 goals in 49 appearances under Hansi Flick before entering the final year of his contract.
Roster Adjustments to Create Space
To accommodate Gordon’s salary, Barcelona have deregistered Uruguay international Ronald Araujo, whose loan from Liverpool provides a salary-saving opportunity. The club is also pursuing additional signings, including a bid for Rodri from Manchester City and a potential return for Joao Cancelo after his loan from Al Hilal. These moves are part of a broader strategy to balance the squad under financial regulations while adding new talent such as Karim Adeyemi, who joined alongside Gordon this summer.
Integration and Upcoming Fixtures
Gordon has begun training with Spain internationals Gavi, Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia, and will join more World Cup winners in the coming days. Barcelona have scheduled pre-season friendlies against FC Basel and Al Ahly before opening La Liga against Elche. The club’s officials have indicated that the heat of the training environment may require an adjustment period for the new arrival.
Outlook
If Barcelona can finalize Gordon’s registration before the season starts, the winger will become the club’s most expensive summer acquisition. Continued roster reshuffling and the deregistration of Araujo suggest the club is actively managing its salary budget to meet La Liga’s financial requirements while integrating high-profile signings.
