'Gordon's versatility and CL form attracted Barcelona'
Your Site News' Keith Downie:
"What's interesting is the two clubs who were fighting for his signature are from the continent - Barcelona and Bayern Munich - and I think a lot of that would be down to what he's done in the Champions League this season.
"Only Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane scored more goals than Gordon's 10. It's a brilliant return. In that competition, his numbers have been sensational. His numbers haven't been quite as good in the Premier League.
"Yes, he scored six, taking his total to 17 which, on paper, looks good. But clearly his best form this season has been reserved for the Champions League.
"He can play a number of positions, too. Ordinarily, he's played off the left-hand side in a 4-3-3, but he's also been used a lot through the middle, to devastating effect at times.
"Barcelona have got an abundance of riches, with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Robert Lewandowski is leaving, so perhaps that provides an opening for him through the middle. That ability to play in a number of positions is the thing that has attracted Barcelona.
"He's got blistering pace, he scores all sorts of goals and he's improved greatly as a Newcastle player since arriving from Everton. He's 25, he's an England international and I can see him fitting into the lifestyle over there, the style of football.
"Newcastle fans will be disappointed they are losing one of their star players, however I think it's easier to take losing him to Barcelona than it would have been if they were to have lost him to Arsenal, who were interested, and Liverpool, who almost signed him two years ago."
How can Barcelona afford new signings?
Your Site News' Lyall Thomas:
The imminent 69.3m signing of Anthony Gordon and the big-money pursuit of Julian Alvarez has raised questions over how Barcelona can afford such expenditure.
The Spanish giants were unable to register new signings until the last minute a year ago, but now they seem to have an abundance of cash for three key positions: striker, winger and centre-back.
The financial rules around how much clubs can spend in Spain work slightly differently from the UK. It is based on revenue and a squad-cost ratio, but they are set by LaLiga on a bespoke basis.
The key to Barcelonas ability to spend now is a return to what is called the 1:1 rule. Every Euro the club saves can be reinvested directly back into the squad on either transfer fees or wages. It was not the case before, when just a fraction of anything saved could be re-spent.
Another crucial change is that Robert Lewandowski has left the club and so they are now saving around 40m a year in wages, while they are currently not having to factor in covering any of Marcus Rashfords wages next season.
That might change, but Barcelona are also looking to sell some players too, which will free up more finances. They offered Ferran Torres, for example, informally to Atletico as they seek a solution to signing Alvarez.
But it is not just the vacation of previously allotted funds that has changed things it is also increased revenue due to the growth of the Spotify Camp Nou. The stadium has been renovated and will soon reach a new capacity of 80,000, while the final capacity is expected to be more than 100,000.
That projected future revenue, as well as the sponsorship from Spotify, as well as winning LaLiga again, is all factored in when the budget for Barcelonas spending is set by the league and means they have money to throw at some exciting players this summer.
Konate's Liverpool exit an unwanted complication ahead of crucial window
Bundesliga speedster Bahoya attracting PL interest
Eintracht Frankfurt forward Jean-Matteo Bahoya is attracting interest from the Premier League and in Europe ahead of a potential summer move.
The Saudi market also remains keen on the 21-year-old. Al Hilal tried to sign Bahoya in the January transfer window, while Al Ittihad made an approach for him last summer.
Bahoya, a France U21 international, holds the record for the highest speed ever recorded in Bundesliga history.
Azeez: I'd love to play in the Premier League and I'll do all I can to get there
Millwall forward Femi Azeez says he will do all he can to get to the Premier League after a debut brace for Nigeria to help the Super Eagles reach the Unity Cup final.
Azeez, who was named in the Nigeria squad for the first time this month, netted twice as the Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe at The Valley.
Nigeria will take on Jamaica in the final on Saturday night at Charlton's ground.
Speaking ahead of the game, Azeez, who has been linked with a move away from the Den, admitted that taking to the international stage has whetted his appetite to play as high as possible.
"I had a good season in the Championship and obviously, to do it on the international stage as well was just that next step up," he told Your Site.
"Whenever I achieve something, I'm always hungry for more. I'm never satisfied with what I've got.
"I'm always going to work towards that next level because I'm ambitious as a footballer and as a person, and I want to reach as high of a level as possible.
"The Premier League is obviously the pinnacle of football. I'd love to play in the Premier League. So obviously, working hard, I'm going to do whatever I can to get there."
Azeez scored 11 times and set up eight more in 35 Championship games as Millwall finished third on the final day and were forced into the playoffs.
The Lions were then beaten 2-0 on aggregate by Hull, who eventually went on to claim the final Premier League spot.
Asked to reflect on his season, Azeez said:
"I've had a good season. Put in some good numbers and good performances.
"But as a team, we've done incredibly well to finish third in such a tough competition.
"It's a credit to everyone, obviously the manager, the boys behind, the boys in the team, the guys behind the scenes and whatnot.
"I think we've had an incredible season and obviously it wasn't meant to be for us this season with the playoffs.
"In football, anything can happen. Hull were better on the days.
"Nevertheless, we're all proud of what we've achieved, and we're all hungry for more."
Konate's Liverpool exit an unwanted complication ahead of crucial window
Torp signs new Coventry contract
Victor Torp has signed a new contract with Coventry.
The 26-year-old played a key role in helping the Sky Blues win the Championship, scoring an impressive 10 goals from midfield last season as well as contributing with seven assists.
Im really proud to sign a new a contract with Coventry City, Torp said.
Weve had an amazing season and its a fantastic squad to be a part of.
I will be aiming to continue contributing to the team and helping us achieve our goals.
The support Ive had from Sky Blues fans during my time here is incredible and Im excited for the next step in our journey together in the Premier League next season.
Young attracting interest from EFL clubs
Latest from Your Site News' Peter Smith:
England youth-team goalkeeper Matty Young is attracting interest from Championship and League One clubs following his impressive loan spells at Salford City from Sunderland.
The 19-year-old signed a four-year contract with Sunderland this month, with the option of a further year, and is seen as a future No1 at the Stadium of Light.
He made 50 appearances for Salford this season, featuring in their League Two play-off final defeat to Notts County at Wembley on Monday.
Sheffield Wednesday and Leicester City are among the clubs looking for a goalkeeper option in this summer's transfer window.
Exclusive: Wolves agree deal to sign Trippier
Latest from Your Site News' Keith Downie:
Wolves have agreed a deal to sign Kieran Trippier.
The 35-year-old will sign a two-year deal with the option of a third.
The right-back is a free agent after four years at Newcastle.
Confirmation of the deal is pending a medical, which will take place when Trippier returns from holiday next week.
Wolves fended off competition from a host of clubs on the continent to land the former England international.
Ouahabi to leave Man City
Leila Ouahabi will leave Man City upon the expiry of her current contract this summer.
She initially joined the club in 2022, and Sunday's FA Cup final will be her final game.
The left-sided defender has helped Man City to the WSL title this season, playing in 15 games.
Speaking about her departure, Ouahabi told the club's official website: It hasnt been an easy decision, but I felt it was time to close this chapter, think about myself and make the best decision for my future.
Its been four very good years in Manchester, but its inevitable to feel sad when youre leaving a place that feels like your home.
I will always keep an eye on Citys results and I will always be just another fan.
