Liverpool was on the verge of making one of the summer’s most talked-about transfers, aiming to bring former Everton winger Anthony Gordon to Anfield. The deal, which could have had a significant impact on both Merseyside clubs, ultimately fell apart, leaving Liverpool without their target.
Liverpool had secured a £75 million agreement with Newcastle United for the 23-year-old, which included Joe Gomez moving in the opposite direction for a reported £45 million. However, Newcastle decided to step away from the deal after resolving their financial fair play concerns. By offloading Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and Yankuba Minteh to Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle met the Profit and Sustainability Rules, making it unnecessary to offload Gordon to balance their books.
Although Gordon is widely associated with Everton, where he played a key role in their fight to avoid relegation in the 2021-22 season, he actually began his career in Liverpool’s youth setup. Since his £45 million transfer to Newcastle in January 2023, he has been open about his childhood allegiance to Liverpool. His attachment to his boyhood club fueled rumors about Liverpool’s interest distracting him, especially when his form was below par at the start of this Premier League season. Adding fuel to the fire was Gordon’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, which sparked speculation about his focus.
However, Gordon addressed these rumors by signing a new long-term contract with Newcastle, reaffirming his dedication to the club. Speaking to NUFCTV, as reported by Newcastle World, he dismissed claims that his slow start to the season was due to Liverpool’s interest. Instead, he attributed it to his lack of fitness, explaining that he struggled physically and mentally following a challenging summer in which he spent considerable time on the bench.
Gordon admitted that it took him a few games to regain his form, but he was confident that he would bounce back. He emphasized that any perception of his mind being elsewhere was simply a misinterpretation of his circumstances. As he worked on his fitness, he said he felt increasingly comfortable within Newcastle’s system and believed that outside perspectives often misunderstand the real issues.
Despite the extended contract negotiations, which he described as complex, Gordon expressed his happiness with the outcome and his commitment to Newcastle’s ambitions. He’s now looking forward to contributing more effectively to the team and feels his confidence growing as he adapts further. For now, Gordon remains firmly rooted in Newcastle, leaving speculation about a move to Liverpool firmly in the past.
