Sport nationEverton’s Anthony Gordon Conundrum: A Necessary Sale or a Mistake?
Everton’s financial struggles have been well-documented, and the sale of Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United in January 2023 for £45m was seen as a necessary move to balance the club’s books. However, Gordon’s recent inclusion in FourFourTwo’s list of the top 100 players in the world has sparked debate about whether Everton made a mistake by letting him go.
The 23-year-old winger has been impressive at Newcastle, earning the Player of the Year award in his first full season. His pace, improved decision-making, and consistency have made him one of the top wingers in the Premier League. Gordon’s rise to prominence has been swift, and his success on Tyneside has left many Everton fans wondering what could have been.
FourFourTwo’s list, which ranks the top 100 players in the world, placed Gordon at number 89, ahead of notable players like Luka Modric, Heung-min Son, and Emiliano Martinez. The publication praised his outstanding consistency, ferocious speed, and improved decision-making, highlighting his growth into one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents.
Everton’s circumstances at the time of the sale must be considered when evaluating the decision to let Gordon go. The club faced an eight-point deduction and desperately needed the £45m influx to stabilize their finances. The financial realities were stark, and the sale of Gordon was seen as a necessary evil to ensure the club’s survival.
Additionally, Gordon’s desire to leave and his actions to force a move made his departure inevitable. The Liverpool-born speedster had failed to show up for training multiple times, and a group of fans even accosted him, instructing him to depart. Bridges had been burned, and Gordon had to go.
The animosity between Gordon and Everton fans remains, with some viewing his departure as a betrayal. The club’s recent social media post about Gordon’s penalty miss only fueled the tension. While Gordon’s success at Newcastle is undeniable, his actions during his departure have left a sour taste in the mouths of many Everton supporters.
In hindsight, Everton’s sale of Anthony Gordon was a necessary evil. The financial realities and Gordon’s desire to leave made his departure unavoidable. While his success at Newcastle is impressive, Everton’s priorities lay in stabilizing their finances and navigating the impending deduction.
The debate surrounding Gordon’s departure will continue, with some arguing that Everton should have found a way to keep him. However, the circumstances at the time made it impossible for the club to retain his services.
Gordon’s growth at Newcastle United serves as a reminder of the talent Everton lost. His development into one of the Premier League’s top wingers has been remarkable, and his inclusion in FourFourTwo’s list is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Everton’s current struggles on the pitch only serve to highlight the impact of Gordon’s departure. The team’s lack of creativity and pace has been evident, and Gordon’s presence would have undoubtedly made a difference.
However, it is essential to consider the broader context of Everton’s situation. The club’s financial struggles and the eight-point deduction made it impossible to keep Gordon. The £45m received for his transfer was crucial in stabilizing the club’s finances and ensuring their survival.
The question remains whether Everton will come to regret selling Gordon. Only time will tell if the decision to let him go will prove to be a mistake. One thing is certain, however: Anthony Gordon’s success at Newcastle United is a reminder of the talent Everton lost.
As the seasons pass, Everton fans will continue to watch Gordon’s progress with interest. His growth into one of the Premier League’s top players will undoubtedly spark debate about what could have been if he had remained at Goodison Park.
The legacy of Anthony Gordon’s time at Everton will be complex. His departure was marked by controversy, but his talent and potential were undeniable. As Everton continues to navigate the challenges of the Premier League, the memory of Gordon’s time at the club will serve as a reminder of the difficulties faced by the team.
In the end, Everton’s sale of Anthony Gordon was a necessary decision, driven by financial realities and the player’s desire to leave. While his success at Newcastle is impressive, Everton’s priorities lay in ensuring the club’s survival.
The debate surrounding Gordon’s departure will continue, but one thing is certain: Anthony Gordon’s growth into one of the Premier League’s top players is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Sport nation