Newcastle’s Bold Move That Left Liverpool Empty-Handed in Transfer Race | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pursuit of Anthony Gordon: A Missed Opportunity?

Liverpool’s Summer Transfer Drama

Liverpool’s interest in Anthony Gordon took centre stage this summer as Newcastle’s winger, 23, seemed destined for Anfield in a potential £75 million deal. According to The Mirror, the proposed move was part of a broader negotiation strategy by Newcastle to align with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). At the time, this transfer would have coincided with Joe Gomez heading in the opposite direction, with the centre-back valued at around £45 million.

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However, neither transfer came to fruition. The Mirror reports that the deals eventually collapsed, leaving Liverpool without the former Everton talent and Gomez staying put on Merseyside. Fast forward to the present, and it seems Newcastle are now on the brink of tying Gordon down to a new, lucrative contract, making any renewed Liverpool pursuit increasingly unlikely.

Chiesa’s Arrival and Gordon’s Uncertain Future

Interestingly, Liverpool’s summer was not devoid of transfers. The Reds secured Federico Chiesa from Juventus, and the Italian winger has already shown his quality in the early stages of his Liverpool career. However, as The Mirror notes, this acquisition hasn’t dampened Liverpool’s interest in Gordon. Despite Chiesa’s arrival and his impact, Liverpool reportedly continued to keep an eye on the Newcastle winger.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was naturally asked about Gordon’s future amidst these rumours. Back in August, Howe made it clear that he valued Gordon highly. “We will do everything we can to keep our best players,” he stated. However, he was pragmatic about the uncertain nature of the transfer market, adding, “I am not a fortune teller,” underlining that anything is possible when top clubs show serious interest.

Gordon’s Season and Newcastle’s Resolve

Gordon’s numbers speak for themselves – with 21 goal contributions in the Premier League last season, it’s no surprise that clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal have shown interest. His ability to cut inside, create chances, and score has made him a key player for Newcastle since joining from Everton in 2023. Given his age and development trajectory, he represents the kind of talent Liverpool typically looks to invest in: young, versatile, and with room to grow.

With talks already in motion, Newcastle’s resolve to keep their man is evident. According to The Mirror, club sources believe the winger is close to agreeing terms, and they are confident that an agreement will be finalised soon. For Liverpool, this represents both a setback and a decision point – do they intensify their pursuit, or focus on nurturing the attacking talents they already have?

Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy: Should They Have Pushed Harder?

The summer transfer saga involving Gordon and Gomez was complicated and ultimately unsuccessful for all parties involved. For Liverpool, the question remains: Should they have pushed harder for Gordon? At £75 million, the winger would have represented a significant investment, but one in line with their policy of acquiring young, promising players. However, the Reds have already invested heavily in attacking players, and with Chiesa’s arrival, the attacking areas are well-stocked.

Nevertheless, it’s not uncommon for Liverpool to play the long game in the transfer market. Players like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker were pursued patiently before finally arriving at Anfield, proving that timing and opportunity are as crucial as talent and need. Liverpool fans might see this approach in a positive light, as the club’s decisions often pay off in the long run. However, missing out on Gordon could be one of those “what if” moments should he continue his upward trajectory at Newcastle.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Gordon’s potential move to Anfield this summer was met with both intrigue and scepticism. On the one hand, Gordon has the attributes that Arne Slot looks for in a wide attacker – pace, skill, and an eye for goal. At 23, he’s at the perfect age for development and would fit seamlessly into Liverpool’s high-octane style of play. However, with Chiesa’s arrival, there’s already strong competition for the wing positions, and it would raise questions about where Gordon fits into the current system.

Additionally, the £75 million price tag would have been a considerable outlay for a player who, while talented, is not a proven star on the European stage yet. Liverpool supporters may appreciate the club’s financial pragmatism, especially given their track record of finding hidden gems and maximising their squad’s potential. Yet, should Gordon go on to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s top talents, missing out on him could become a regretful chapter in Liverpool’s transfer history.

In conclusion, while the chance to sign Gordon may now be closing, Liverpool will likely have other targets in mind as they continue to build a team capable of competing for silverware on all fronts.