Anthony Gordon sent difficult Barcelona warning after Newcastle exit

The England winger left St James' Park at the end of the season, with a deal secured before the transfer window had officially opened.

The move suited all parties, with Newcastle needing to bring in transfer revenue ahead of their planned spending, while it allowed Gordon to focus on England's World Cup campaign without speculation over his future.

However, former Barcelona, Arsenal and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit has warned there are aspects of Gordon's game that he must improve if he is to make the grade at the Catalan giants.

Get Chronicle Premium now for just £1 HERE – exclusive news and features, our NUFC and Academy notebooks, John Gibson's columns plus an ad-lite experience

World Cup-winner Petit spent a season at the Nou Camp after leaving Arsenal, before returning to the Premier League with Chelsea, and knows of the pressures that come with wearing the famous shirt.

"I like Anthony Gordon. I think he's a decent guy and a good player, but going to Barcelona, the DNA, the way they play, you have to make a huge difference, especially when you are a forward, because everything is based on the attack," Petit told Mr Gamble.

"When you have Lamine Yamal on the right-hand side, the pressure is on his shoulders.

"So I still believe and I hope I'm wrong, but I still believe that he doesn't have the technical skills to play at Barcelona. He's got speed, he's fast, and he can make a big impact on the left wing.

"But technically there are many things he must improve, and he will have to show great character straight away because he won't get a second opportunity at Barcelona.

"Marcus Rashford was there and had a good season in that position and he is gone, I wish him all the best, but I think it's going to be really difficult. If he doesn't have an impact in the first few games, it will be very difficult."

Newcastle acted quickly to replace Gordon in Eddie Howe's squad, with Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Toure signing from German side Hoffenheim.

United also have Harvey Barnes who can play on the left flank, while Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock can occupy the role.

Newcastle United are aiming to rebuild a squad capable of firing them back to the Champions League this summer, with a huge transfer window ahead of us. With players likely to leave and a host of names linked with a move to St James' Park, it's going to be a fascinating few months.

You won't miss a single thing.