Liverpool’s pursuit of Anthony Gordon has hit a significant obstacle, as reports now indicate that the talented winger is nearing the completion of a new contract with Newcastle United. This development has thrown a wrench in Liverpool’s plans, particularly as the club had been keen on securing the 23-year-old to strengthen their left-wing options. For some time, Liverpool has been missing a consistent attacking presence on the left flank, which they hoped Gordon could provide.
The timing of this setback is particularly notable, as it coincides with a period of renewed optimism at Anfield under their new manager, Arne Slot. Slot has injected fresh energy into the squad, guiding Liverpool to an impressive start to the season. His tenure began with three consecutive wins, including a remarkable 3-0 victory over arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Reds seemed to be riding a wave of confidence and momentum, raising hopes of a successful campaign ahead.
However, this optimism was tempered when Liverpool suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest. Despite dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities, the team’s inability to convert chances into goals exposed a lingering weakness in their attacking play. The loss highlighted Liverpool’s inconsistency in front of goal, particularly on the left side of the pitch, where they have struggled to replicate the kind of attacking threat that has been a hallmark of their success in recent years.
While Mohamed Salah remains a formidable force on the right wing, consistently delivering goals and assists, the left side of Liverpool’s attack has been less reliable. Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, both highly talented players, have shown flashes of brilliance but have not provided the same steady threat as Salah. The club’s recruitment team identified Anthony Gordon as a potential solution to this problem, seeing in him the kind of explosive dynamism that could help balance Liverpool’s attack.
Liverpool’s interest in Gordon has been no secret, with the club reportedly making several attempts to lure him away from Newcastle. However, Newcastle has been steadfast in their desire to retain the winger, who is viewed as a key part of their long-term vision. As rumors of a new contract for Gordon swirl, it appears that Newcastle is prepared to go to great lengths to keep hold of him. Sources from the *Mail* via the *Express* suggest that the new deal would make Gordon the highest-paid player at the club, with an offer reportedly worth £9 million annually. If Gordon agrees to these terms, Liverpool’s hopes of bringing him to Merseyside will likely be dashed.
In light of this, Liverpool may need to rethink their transfer strategy. The club already secured the services of Federico Chiesa in the summer at a bargain price, which could prove to be a shrewd move. Should Chiesa perform well, Liverpool may decide that their need for a left-winger has been addressed, potentially reducing the urgency of pursuing Gordon. However, if Chiesa or the other current options fail to deliver the desired results, Liverpool could find themselves revisiting the market for additional reinforcements in upcoming transfer windows.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s transfer dealings in this area will depend on how their current players perform over the course of the season. While the pursuit of Anthony Gordon may have stalled, Liverpool remains a club with the resources and ambition to act decisively if the need arises. For now, though, they may have to turn their attention elsewhere as Newcastle appears ready to secure their prized winger for the foreseeable future.