Barcelona’s choice to sign Gordon from Newcastle instead of pursuing Rashford had been heavily questioned in Spain. Rashford had enjoyed a productive loan spell in Catalonia and played an important role in the club’s La Liga success, while Gordon’s influence during England’s group-stage campaign appeared limited.
The knockout rounds changed the tone. Gordon supplied two assists against the Democratic Republic of Congo, won a penalty against Mexico, created another goal against Norway and scored against Argentina. Alongside Jude Bellingham, he emerged as one of England’s most decisive players.
That sequence has given Barcelona’s investment a much stronger defence. Gordon’s pace, direct running and ability to affect major matches are precisely the qualities the club hoped to secure.
Rashford’s situation is less clear. He is reportedly attracting interest from Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal, while Newcastle has been mentioned more distantly. Yet the financial demands attached to his contract could make any Premier League return difficult.
Manchester United is understood to want relief from its wage bill, but a domestic sale would require a club willing to match both the transfer valuation and Rashford’s salary. Waddle’s assessment reflects the central obstacle: the fee may be manageable, but the overall package is not.
Gordon’s World Cup has changed the conversation, not ended it. Barcelona will still judge him on consistency, adaptation and production after the tournament spotlight fades. Rashford, meanwhile, must decide whether his next chapter is in England or elsewhere.
The next Barcelona run of fixtures will offer Gordon the chance to turn a powerful international statement into sustained club form. For Rashford, the summer transfer window is likely to provide the clearest answer yet.