Anthony Gordon targets debut goal as Barcelona prepare to face Al Ahli in Joan Gamper Trophy

Anthony Gordon says he hopes to score on his first appearance at Spotify Camp Nou after Barcelona’s new signing praised Al Ahli ahead of their Joan Gamper Trophy meeting on Wednesday.

Al Ahli will visit Barcelona for the match, which is scheduled to begin at 21:00 local time at Spotify Camp Nou.

Gordon, speaking through Barcelona’s official account, acknowledged the quality of their opponents but said his new side would concentrate on imposing its own approach.

“Al Ahli are a great team, but I think when we play for Barcelona, we only focus on ourselves, what we can do and the way we want to play,” said the England international.

“We have a style of play that never changes, so we try to win in that way and in the best style possible.”

The former Newcastle United player is also looking forward to experiencing the stadium as a Barcelona player for the first time.

“I am really excited to see the stadium, put on the Barcelona shirt, be with the fans and see them for the first time,” he said. “Hopefully I can score a goal, we can win the game and everything can go well.”

Gordon was announced as a Barcelona player before the World Cup, having moved from Newcastle United on a five-year contract running until the summer of 2031. He made his first appearance in Barcelona colours in their most recent friendly against Basel.

Reflecting on his opening week at the club, Gordon said the move had already provided an entirely new experience, both on and off the pitch.

“It has been a great first week and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” he said. “Everything is new for me: a new city, a new country and, of course, new team-mates and a new coaching staff. It is an amazing experience.”

The 24-year-old added that he had received a warm welcome from the squad and was attracted to Barcelona by the manager’s footballing philosophy.

“Everyone has welcomed me so well. The players are very friendly; I already knew the manager’s ideas and that is why I wanted to come here, because I like his style of play,” Gordon said.

Several Barcelona players joined the squad later than others because of their involvement in the World Cup. Gordon said that staggered arrivals had not created a problem, with the squad confident it could be prepared for the start of the campaign.

“It is fine for the players to join at different times. Everyone is very fit and we understand what is needed to be ready for the first game,” he said.

Gordon also thanked Barcelona supporters for their early backing and promised to repay it through his performances.

“Thank you for everything you have given me so far, for all the love and support. I hope I can repay you by scoring lots of goals and winning many trophies,” he said.

Barcelona have won the Spanish league title in each of the past two seasons, finishing above Real Madrid in the table.

They are due to begin their La Liga campaign in the second round of matches against Elche on Sunday, 23 August. Their opening fixture against Athletic Bilbao was postponed because a large number of players had reached the final stages of the World Cup.

Barcelona are scheduled to play that rearranged opening-round match against Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on Thursday, 27 August.