Why Anthony Gordon left Everton as Liverpool 'holds talks' with Newcastle over transfer

The transfer news cycle moves very quickly. A deal can go from looking fairly likely to being off the table in double quick time.

This has been seen over the last two days with regards to Liverpool’s pursuit of Anthony Gordon. On Friday afternoon there were reports that the Reds had made contact with Newcastle regarding a potential transfer for its England international winger.

But less than 24 hours later it was being reported by Daily Mail that talks had broken down. The Magpies were keen for Jarell Quansah to be part of the deal but Liverpool was not willing to lose the young defender in order to obtain Gordon.

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This isn’t to say that a transfer definitely won’t happen though, just that discussions have hit a snag. Like many teams in the Premier League, Newcastle is looking to sell players to ensure it complies with profit and sustainability rules. Gordon is estimated to be worth $64.3m (£50.8m/€60m) by Transfermarkt and he only has two years remaining on his deal. His value will only decrease as his contract heads towards its expiry date, albeit the fact he is homegrown may sustain his worth a little longer.

According to the Mail, Gordon is satisfied with his current situation and loves working under Eddie Howe but was aware of the talks with Liverpoool.

However, a recent interview which the player gave to Gary Neville on The Overlap suggested he may not be happy to stay with Newcastle too much longer. The Magpies were in the Champions League this season but after a less impressive league campaign in 2023/24, they will not be playing European football at all next season.

Gordon was explaining his reasons for leaving Everton in January 2023. “I am too ambitious to turn down the opportunity which was presented to me,” he said. “Newcastle United were only going one way and looking from the outside they were flying, I think they were fourth when I was signing, so it’s a no brainer. My ambition is to be at the very top of football and I couldn’t do that where I was.

"I didn’t care too much to change the perspective, because I’m very comfortable in myself and how it ended up, and ultimately, I got what I wanted. I joined Newcastle.

“I did want to leave, but also, the club did have to sell me. The way it played out was that I was desperate to leave and that was never really the case. I just wanted to fulfil my ambitions."

Right now, it’s not looking like Gordon can reach such heights with Newcastle either. “I did want to leave, but also, the club did have to sell me,” he said later in the same interview and very similar circumstances could see him on the move, possibly to Liverpool, this summer.

Liverpool.com says: No player can reach the highest level without being committed, driven and ambitious. Gordon makes regular reference to his desire to reach the top, though, and that could play into the Reds' hands.