Barcelona sporting director Deco has revealed why the club paid Newcastle £69 million for Anthony Gordon instead of making Marcus Rashford's loan permanent for about £26 million. Speaking to RAC1, Deco said: "Our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony. His style fits with what the coach is looking for."

The England winger signed a five-year deal with the Spanish champions this summer and made a fast start, with five assists in his opening outings, equalling a La Liga record, according to reports. Rashford's 14-goal loan had helped deliver La Liga and the Spanish Supercup, but Barcelona declined the buy option.

Spanish media struck a sterner note after Gordon's seventh appearance, a 3-1 win over Sevilla in which he missed two late chances and left without a goal or assist for the third straight game. Manager Hansi Flick has still picked him, viewing Gordon as a fit for his aggressive pressing style.

With Raphinha scoring a hat-trick against Sevilla and Lamine Yamal setting up goals, Gordon's fast start now faces its first real test: whether the £69 million man can match the hype his fee demands.