Barcelona’s press aren’t giving up on the idea of Anthony Gordon joining their local club this summer. And now, they’re getting Newcastle United journalists involved in the transfer drama.
Sport report on the Newcastle winger today and gauge the opinions of Raff Tindal and Sean McCormick regarding a potential move this summer.
Newcastle United to Barcelona
Reports are continuing to link Anthony Gordon with a move away from Newcastle this summer. Bayern Munich were the first to be linked, with several claims in Germany insisting that his agents had met the German giants.
Then Barcelona were brought into the mix. His agents were again at the centre of that, with Sport ‘catching’ them meeting Barcelona sporting director Deco.
The newspaper reported that Gordon is ‘particularly admired’ by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick. The biggest obstacle to a deal, according to the newspaper, is his high price tag.
Now the newspaper wants the Newcastle angle, and they’ve contacted Tindal and McCormick to discuss it today.
“It’s widely assumed that one of the star players will be sold this summer, as Newcastle’s chief executive, David Hopkinson, has admitted. Besides Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento are also attracting interest,” said the latter.
“Newcastle are asking for £80 million (€92 million) for Gordon. While there’s room for negotiation, I don’t think it will drop much.
“He’s been heavily linked with Bayern Munich, but they don’t seem willing to pay that much either. There’s also interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, but Newcastle would prefer to sell him to another club rather than an English rival.”
Everton clause, Isak drama
Tindale, meanwhile, points out that there are various factors Newcastle need to consider when it comes to a deal.
Chief among them is a clause owed to Everton. The Toffees are owed 15% of any future sale following the wingers move in 2023.
The Magpies are also keen to avoid a repeat of what happened with Alexander Isak last summer. He ended up going on strike throughout the summer to force a move to Liverpool.
That eventually happened but forced Newcastle into a late and expensive move for Nick Woltemade to replace him. A repeat of that saga would not be welcome according to Tindale.
“If Gordon does leave, the way he does so will completely determine how Newcastle fans remember him, as a hero if it’s on good terms, or as a traitor if he tries to force his way out,” he added.
He recalled that “Gordon refused to train with Everton for three consecutive days” before signing for the Magpies.
A perfect fit for Barcelona
Both journalists, though, are in no doubt about one thing. Anthony Gordon would be a perfect fit for this current Barcelona team.
“He’s a perfect fit, he’s proven he can perform at the highest level, and he’s one of those players who can single-handedly change a result,” said Tindale.
“Signing a player capable of operating across the entire attacking line would be a stroke of genius. He has all the attributes to become one of the best wingers in Europe under Hansi Flick.”
“Gordon is very fast, an excellent dribbler, and creates danger in the final third of the pitch,” concluded McCormick.
“He has adapted perfectly to a very physical environment and possesses great technique. He ticks all the boxes.”
