Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon compared ahead of potential swap between Man United and Newcastle
Marcus Rashford is reportedly being targeted by Newcastle United this summer ahead of Anthony Gordon’s likely exit.
The winger is currently on loan at Barcelona, who have an option to sign him permanently from Manchester United, and he had been expected to stay there.
The 28-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions this season, but the La Liga leaders have reportedly decided against making the deal permanent.
The money involved in signing Rashford is expected to be the reason behind Barcelona’s decision, with the door now open for a move elsewhere.
Newcastle transfer chiefs are reportedly monitoring the situation, with Gordon’s future increasingly unlikely to remain at St James’ Park.
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VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUBAnthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford compared
Football Insider exclusively revealed last week that Newcastle want to sign Rashford, but that the finances will make it a difficult deal to pull off.
The 28-year-old is thought to be on significant wages, and will warrant a sizable fee after the season he has enjoyed for Barcelona.
| Anthony Gordon | Stats – Champions League 2025-26 | Marcus Rashford |
| 12 | Appearances | 11 |
| 1.17 | Goals per 90 | 0.78 |
| 0.54 | Non-penalty expected goals (xG) per 90 | 0.28 |
| 0.23 | Assists per 90 | 0.47 |
| 1.29 | Chances created per 90 | 2.18 |
| 1.75 | Successful dribbles per 90 | 1.71 |
| 4.32 | Duels won per 90 | 3.73 |
Should Gordon attract the level of interest expected at St James’ Park this summer, however, he could well pave the way for his England teammate.
The 25-year-old is of interest to the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich amid growing suspicions that he will leave the club.
On the face of it, Rashford and Gordon are not vastly different players. They both prefer to play off the left of the attack, sometimes sticking wide and sometimes coming inside to attack through the middle.
Despite the Barcelona man boasting more assists than the Newcastle forward, the stats actually tell a different story.
- Rashford excels in open play: Nine of Gordon’s 17 goals this season have come from the penalty spot, while none of Rashford’s have.
- Gordon is the more natural winger: The stats paint a clear picture of the difference between the two players, with the Newcastle man sending in far more crosses and completing more dribbles.
- Rashford is a final action machine: In many ways, it is a choice of style over substance. Rashford’s stats say that he will score goals and get assists, but Newcastle cannot expect much outside of that.
How Thomas Tuchel has seen Gordon vs Rashford
England manager Thomas Tuchel has had Rashford and Gordon high up on his list for the left-wing spot in his team.
Both players will likely compete for the position ahead of the World Cup, and the German’s choice will be telling.
He has utilised both wingers in similar ways so far in his time as England boss, and to similar effect.
Ultimately, Tuchel will be glad to have the option of both. That, it appears, is a luxury that Newcastle will have to go without.
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