what was his mission in England » “We do not negotiate at all because it is not even for sale!”
Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Wednesday, 27 May 2026, 12:16 / Updated Wednesday, 27 May 2026 12:34
The sporting director flew to London not to discuss the transfer of Joao Pedro with Chelsea. Deco wants to convince, in fact, Anthony Gordon, the winger of Newcastle, to sign with Barcelona, as the Catalan press has learned.
Barcelona are looking for a striker after parting ways with Robert Lewandowski, with the 38-year-old Pole out of contract. That is precisely why Deco traveled to England earlier this week to negotiate with a possible mercato target.
“Chelsea have been very clear with Barcelona. They have no intention of negotiating, discussing or talking about João Pedro”
The first information that has circulated is that the Blaugrana sporting director went to discuss, together with Bojan and the head of the club's scouting department, Joao Amaral, a possible transfer to La Liga of Joao Pedro.
The forward has been on the Catalans' shortlist for several weeks, but his high price tag is a major obstacle, according to mark. Deco was also present at the FA Cup final ten days ago to watch the Brazilian. The South American played 86 minutes in the defeat against Manchester City (0-1), but was unable to help his team.
Joao Pedro will sign with Chelsea until 2032 / Photo: Imago Images
The big obstacle is the price demanded by the Londoners. Chelsea paid €63.7m to buy him from Brighton a year ago, meaning his sale price could go as high as €100m.
Mercato specialist Fabrizio Romano came today with news: “Chelsea have been very clear with Barcelona. They have no intention of negotiating, discussing or talking about João Pedro.
The Stamford Bridge club see the Brazilian as a key point of the project and there is no question of an offer or a transfer fee. He has absolutely no intention of selling him, because Chelsea consider João Pedro intangible”.
Romano: “Gordon is attracted to the transfer to Barcelona, but Bayern and Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on him”
Chelsea are not willing to let go of Joao Pedro, who has been named the team's best player this season. The Brazilian finished his first season at the London club with 13 goals and 3 assists.
Mundo Deportivo went further and discovered the real purpose of Deco's visit to London. Barcelona's target would actually be a former Blaugrana opponent in the Champions League.
Anthony Gordon opens the scoring for Newcastle, from the penalty spot / Photo: Imago
“Barcelona are in direct talks with Newcastle for Anthony Gordon. The player is interested in the transfer but other clubs are also keeping an eye on him. But the Spanish champions have competition for the Englishman, with Bayern and the Premier League already on the list.” states Fabrizio Romano, confirming the information published by the Catalan daily.
The international summoned by coach Thomas Tuchel for WC 2026 is 25 years old and can play not only in the left lane, in Raphinha's position, but also in another offensive role, versatility being an argument for Hansi Flick.
Gordon was brought by Newcastle from Everton in 2023 for €46 million. In three years at “Coçofene”, he has 39 goals and 28 assists in 152 games. Of which in the last season, 17 goals and 5 assists in 46 appearances.
