Barcelona chose to prioritise Anthony Gordon instead of making Marcus Rashford’s move permanent, in line with Hansi Flick’s plans after the Manchester United forward’s 14-goal loan spell helped the club win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. The champions decided not to activate the €30m option for Rashford and instead committed €70m to sign Gordon from Newcastle United.

“We are extremely grateful to Rashford,” Deco said while 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 window that also brought Rodri, Joao Cancelo, Karim Adeyemi, Gabriel Jesus and Dominik Livakovic to Camp Nou. Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, chose El Clasico rivals Real Madrid instead.

“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 still waiting for his first goal, but he has already registered five assists in five appearances, matching a La Liga record. He has already been the subject of chants at Camp Nou, including during the 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano, as Flick continues to rely on his intensity.