Sport nationLiverpool Given Boost in £100m Anthony Gordon Chase as Transfer Clause Adds to Newcastle Concerns
Incoming new Liverpool boss Arne Slot is serious about bringing Anthony Gordon back to Merseyside this summer, and an alarming clause in the former Everton winger’s deal has seemingly given Newcastle more reason for panic. Gordon has enjoyed a brilliant first full season at St James’ Park, scoring 12 goals and laying on another 10 assists to earn him the accolade of Newcastle United’s Player of the Year.
As a result, transfer interest in Gordon has grown in recent months, and earlier this week it was reported that Liverpool are among the clubs keen on a move for the winger this summer. New boss Slot has put Gordon firmly on his list of potential summer recruits at Anfield, with the winger seen as a possible upgrade for the inconsistent Luis Diaz.
The Colombian has been linked with moves to either PSG or Barcelona, with Liverpool’s CEO of football, Michael Edwards, seemingly willing to cash in on the 27-year-old if the price is right. And while Newcastle would be loathe to lose the two-cap England international, FFP concerns mean they may need to consider a big-money sale this summer if they are to provide Eddie Howe with funds to further strengthen his squad.
The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak have both seen speculation grow over their futures in recent months, with Arsenal keen on deals for both players. However, it’s understood that Newcastle would side with the reluctant sale of Gordon if they decide to sacrifice one of that trio.
As a result, Liverpool are now giving serious thought to launching a £100m bid to bring Gordon back to Merseyside. The winger actually started out on Liverpool’s books before moving across the city at the age of 11 to join Everton’s academy. That move obviously paid rich dividends, with the 23-year-old underlining his qualities in 78 appearances for the Toffees before a £45m move to St James’ Park in January 2023.
However, if Slot gets his way, then Gordon’s stay on Tyneside could be cut short after just 18 months, with the player also having supported Liverpool as a boy and idolising Anfield icon Steven Gerrard in his school days.
Now it has emerged that any deal to sell Gordon would see his former side Everton profit with a sell-on clause worth 10% of any future deal, meaning the Toffees could bank an additional £10m on top of the £45m (£40m plus £5m in add-ons) already banked from his sale. And while such a move could force Newcastle to think twice over his potential sale, they know his exit would not quite prove as financially fruitful as initially expected.
Gordon for his part has made clear his satisfaction with how his career has developed since his move to the North-East. “I absolutely love it here – I’ve said that plenty of times,” Gordon said. “I’ve never come to a stadium where I get the feeling of pure joy. Every time I pull up to the stadium or even if I’m driving past, it brings me joy. I absolutely love this place. I’ve been in good form (at St James’ Park) but that’s because I’m happy here.”
The potential sale of Gordon would be a huge blow to Newcastle, who have seen the winger become an integral part of their side since his move from Everton. His pace, skill, and goalscoring ability have made him a fan favourite, and his departure would leave a significant void in the Magpies’ attack.
Newcastle’s financial situation is also a concern, with the club’s owners facing pressure to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. The sale of Gordon would help alleviate some of that pressure, but it would also weaken the team’s chances of success in the short term.
For Liverpool, the potential signing of Gordon would be a major coup, as they look to strengthen their squad for next season. The winger’s pace and skill would be a welcome addition to the Reds’ attack, and his ability to play on either wing would provide manager Arne Slot with plenty of options.
The potential transfer fee of £100m would be a significant outlay for Liverpool, but it would be a worthwhile investment if Gordon can reproduce the form he has shown at Newcastle. The winger’s ability to score goals and create chances for his teammates would be a valuable asset for the Reds, and his signing would be a major statement of intent from the club.
In addition to Liverpool, Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Gordon, but it’s understood that the Gunners are not willing to meet Newcastle’s valuation of the player. This has given Liverpool a clear run at signing the winger, and they are expected to make a move in the coming weeks.
Gordon’s potential signing would also be a boost for Liverpool’s squad depth, with the winger able to provide cover for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz. His ability to play on either wing would also give manager Arne Slot more options in
Amina Umar
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