Gordon Joins the Group. the Presentation Is over, Now Comes the Football

Anthony Gordon completed his first training session with Barcelona’s available first-team group on Monday. According to the club’s official update, the English winger worked under Hansi Flick during the morning session at the Ciutat Esportiva. On Sunday, he had still been following an individual programme alongside Gavi, Eric García and Joan García.

It was not yet a full-squad session. Jules Koundé is scheduled to return on Tuesday, while Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Pau Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal and Pedri are expected back on Wednesday. Double sessions are planned for Wednesday and Thursday before Sunday’s friendly against FC Basel.

Barcelona have spent the past few months presenting Gordon, packaging the story and placing him at the centre of their latest grand project. Flick can finally move on to the inconvenient part: finding out how the new winger actually fits into his team. The announcement was completed in May. The sporting integration has only just begun.