Liverpool was on the brink of securing one of the most anticipated transfers of the summer, preparing to bring in Anthony Gordon, the former Everton winger and Newcastle United talent, to Anfield. This potential move had set tongues wagging across Merseyside, as it carried the promise of shaking up the rivalry between the two clubs. For Liverpool fans, adding a former Everton player with Gordon’s attacking flair was an enticing prospect, while Evertonians watched nervously, fearing a former favorite could soon be wearing red. Yet, in a surprising twist, the transfer failed to materialize, leaving Liverpool still in search of the spark they believed Gordon could provide.
Liverpool had reportedly arranged a £75 million deal with Newcastle United for the 23-year-old winger. As part of the transaction, defender Joe Gomez was set to head to Newcastle for a reported £45 million, adding a significant layer of complexity to the proposed switch. However, just when it seemed both clubs had aligned on the financials, Newcastle abruptly withdrew from negotiations. Their decision came after resolving their Financial Fair Play (FFP) obligations, a factor that had previously pressured them to consider offloading Gordon. By arranging transfers for Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and Yankuba Minteh to Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle managed to satisfy the Profit and Sustainability Rules, effectively eliminating the need to sacrifice Gordon to balance their finances.
For fans and pundits alike, the allure of this transfer wasn’t just about talent. Gordon, despite his ties to Everton and his role in their critical relegation battle in the 2021-22 season, actually has roots in Liverpool’s youth academy. This lesser-known chapter of his career added a deeper layer of intrigue to the potential move. Gordon’s journey has been something of a rollercoaster; since his £45 million transfer to Newcastle in January 2023, he has openly shared memories of his boyhood allegiance to Liverpool. His known admiration for the Reds created a flurry of speculation, as many questioned if his loyalty might be split, especially when his form appeared to dip at the outset of this Premier League season. The rumors were only amplified by his exclusion from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, which many took as a sign that his focus was possibly elsewhere.
However, Gordon was quick to address these swirling rumors, solidifying his intentions by signing a new long-term contract with Newcastle. In an interview with NUFCTV, as highlighted by Newcastle World, he categorically dismissed suggestions that Liverpool’s interest had distracted him. Instead, he revealed that his early-season struggles stemmed from a lack of fitness. The summer had been mentally and physically challenging, he admitted, with limited game time leaving him off his peak form. He emphasized that his slow start was not an indicator of his interest in Liverpool but rather a misinterpretation by onlookers who didn’t grasp the full context of his struggles.
Gordon shared that it took a handful of games for him to feel fully reintegrated and regain his sharpness. Now, as he builds back both his physical and mental stamina, he feels increasingly at ease within Newcastle’s setup and believes that the challenges he faced were misread by those speculating from the outside. For Gordon, the perception that his focus was divided was simply inaccurate, and he remained committed to contributing his best to Newcastle’s ambitions.
Despite the drawn-out contract talks, which he acknowledged were complex and required patience, Gordon expressed satisfaction with the new agreement. He’s excited to move forward, reinvigorated and ready to push himself further within Newcastle’s ranks. His renewed confidence, combined with his commitment to the club, has him looking forward to a bright future on Tyneside, putting any notion of a transfer to Liverpool firmly to rest for the time being.