- Alan Shearer doesn’t mince words on Anthony Gordon transfer
- Newcastle United agree Barcelona deal
- Simon Jordan surprised by £70 million fee
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has given a frosty verdict on Anthony Gordon following the sale of the winger to La Liga giants Barcelona.
The 25-year-old’s departure from St James’ Park comes after weeks of speculation, which had reached a fever pitch shortly after the international break in March.
Gordon was said to have felt he had ‘outgrown’ Eddie Howe’s project on Tyneside and harboured ambitions to remain in the Champions League, having scored 10 goals in the European tournament this season.
The England international had agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich but the Bundesliga outfit were unable to reach an agreement with Newcastle over a fee. That allowed Barcelona to hijack a move, with Gordon equally keen on the move to La Liga.
Alan Shearer drops frosty Anthony Gordon verdict
Newcastle have made a healthy profit on the £45 million spent to bring Gordon to the club from Everton in January 2023. The winger leaves having helped the side to a Carabao Cup triumph last year and with 39 goals in Black and White.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer gave his assessment on Gordon’s departure. While the Magpies legend was adamant he had ‘no issues’ with the player, it was certainly a frosty verdict.
Shearer said: “I think Newcastle have been scarred by the Isak situation and can never be put in that situation again. Clearly, Anthony Gordon wants to leave so, I guess Newcastle’s thoughts are, if that is the case, we get what we can for him?
“Is it enough of fee? I think it’s a good deal for both. I think it is for both parties, for Anthony and for Newcastle. Clearly, he wants to leave. The manager hasn’t played him for the last five or six weeks.”
Shearer went on to admire the talent possessed by Gordon but underlined that it will be wasted potential at St James’ Park if his heart is not in the project.
Shearer added: “I’m not upset at all that he’s leaving. I guess when a player wants to move and has made it clear his heart’s not in playing for the club anymore, that’s fine, you do what’s best for the football club.
“No one’s bigger than the club, so it’s a good deal for Newcastle, first and foremost, and it’s a really good deal for Anthony Gordon, so, good luck to him. You thank him for what he’s done. I think he has, without doubt, split opinions with his time at Newcastle. But yeah, good luck to him. I’ve got no issues.”
Eddie Howe explains Gordon’s Newcastle United omission
While Gordon had been frozen out of the side under Howe in the final fixtures of the campaign, not handed Premier League minutes since the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in April, there was no fallout between manager and player.
After he was left out against Nottingham Forest, Howe said: “It was tactical.
“The team has performed well in Anthony’s absence. Obviously, we have gone with a bit more solidity with Joelinton playing wide and one winger the other side just to try and strengthen us defensively, because we weren’t happy with how we were defending.
“Since January, really, we have been disappointed – so a change of structure really. Ant has come back to fitness. He’s training well but, also, I’m looking at the future as well.”
Simon Jordan: ‘I don’t see Gordon at Barcelona level’
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has also given his take on the transfer and shared his disbelief that Barcelona were willing to fork out the sum of £70 million to beat Bayern to the transfer of Gordon.
He told talkSPORT: “It’s an interesting one to suggest that Anthony Gordon would fulfil the role of [Robert] Lewandowski, but that’s perhaps what they see him as.
“I mean, Newcastle getting £70million, best part of… First of all, having Barcelona at the table can either increase the opportunity for Bayern Munich. We’re talking about two elite clubs in Europe bidding for a player that I think is… ok. He’s a good player, but we’re talking about £70million and two of the biggest names in domestic football wanting to sign him.
“So it’s sad for Newcastle that they have to lose players but, in return for that, they’re getting a big fee and he’s getting a wonderful opportunity. I don’t personally see him at that level but then what do I know? I’m not a football person, I’m a bitter, old, failed chairman!”
In other news, Newcastle United want ex-Barcelona star to replace Anthony Gordon.
