Barcelona may have made one of the most debated attacking decisions of the summer after choosing Anthony Gordon over highly rated Ivorian winger Yan Diomande.
Reports from Spain indicate that Barça explored Diomande’s situation months before the transfer window developed into the battle it eventually became. Club representatives reportedly met people close to the RB Leipzig youngster in April and May, while Barcelona also gathered information about his availability.
But there was one major problem.
Leipzig had no intention of letting Diomande leave cheaply. The German club valued the teenager at more than €100 million and made it clear that only an extraordinary offer would convince them to sell. For Barcelona, operating under strict financial limitations, that price was simply too difficult to justify.
Barcelona eventually turned their attention towards Anthony Gordon, with Hansi Flick reportedly making the Newcastle winger his preferred attacking target.
That decision has now created an intriguing debate among supporters.
Diomande had just produced an outstanding breakthrough season with Leipzig, registering 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances. His explosive dribbling, acceleration and ability to play from either flank quickly turned him into one of Europe’s most sought-after young attackers.
Gordon, meanwhile, was viewed as a more immediate solution for Flick.
The Englishman offered Premier League experience, intensity, pace and versatility, while Flick was reportedly particularly impressed by his ability to attack space and contribute without the ball. Barcelona ultimately agreed a deal worth €70 million plus up to €10 million in variables for the former Newcastle winger.
And then the Diomande story took another dramatic turn.
Real Madrid entered the picture.
The Spanish giants reportedly moved aggressively for the Ivorian and were prepared to pay a figure around €120 million, dramatically changing the economics of a deal that Barcelona had previously considered too expensive.
Suddenly, Barça’s decision not to pursue Diomande looks even more significant.
The question now is whether Barcelona chose wisely.
On one side, Gordon was specifically wanted by Flick and arrived as a player capable of contributing immediately. On the other, Diomande is only 19 and is being viewed as one of the most exciting young attacking talents in European football.
Interestingly, the early numbers this season have added another layer to the debate. Recent comparisons show Gordon already making an impact for Barcelona, while Diomande has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at his new club.
So the argument may not be as simple as “Barcelona chose the wrong player.”
The Catalan club faced a choice between paying a huge premium for potential or backing the player their manager believed could fit Barcelona immediately.
Flick wanted Gordon.
Deco delivered Gordon.
Now the pressure is on the Englishman to prove that Barcelona made the right call.
