Liverpool have stepped back from a potential move for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, according to a report from The Athletic, leaving Chelsea and Bayern Munich as the primary contenders for his signature this summer. The Merseyside club had held a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old but have reportedly decided against reviving that interest in the upcoming transfer window. This development shifts the focus of the transfer saga to Stamford Bridge and the Allianz Arena, with Chelsea now considered a strong potential destination.
The Athletic's report details that Liverpool's interest peaked last summer when Newcastle faced Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) pressures. At that time, a complex deal worth £120 million in total was reportedly agreed upon, which would have seen Gordon move to Anfield for £75 million with defender Joe Gomez transferring to Newcastle for £45 million. However, Newcastle ultimately opted to sell other assets, including Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, to address their financial concerns, and the proposed swap collapsed. Sources now indicate Liverpool's recruitment team has moved its focus elsewhere, with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande a primary target and a second winger potentially being sought.
This withdrawal significantly alters the landscape for Gordon's future. Chelsea's interest, which dates back to before his £45 million move from Everton to Newcastle in 2023, is now described as stronger than ever. The Blues are reportedly shifting their transfer strategy towards acquiring more proven Premier League talent, and Gordon's profile fits this new direction. In a further boost to Chelsea's hopes, it is understood that their pursuit will not be contingent on qualifying for the Champions League, a competition they are currently unlikely to reach for next season.
Bayern Munich remain a serious competitor, having tracked Gordon for some time. The German giants are also in the market for wide reinforcements and view the England international as a viable option. However, previous reports suggested Gordon would favour a move to Liverpool over Bayern if given a direct choice, a factor that may now work in Chelsea's favour. The situation underscores a broader strategic shift at Chelsea under their sporting directors, who are aiming to blend high-potential signings with established top-flight performers to add immediate consistency to their squad.
For Newcastle, the continued speculation around Gordon highlights the financial pressures still facing the club. Despite the sales last summer, manager Eddie Howe may still need to consider significant player sales to fund his own rebuild, with a fee in the region of £70 million being suggested as a figure that would prompt serious consideration from the Magpies' hierarchy. Gordon, who has been a key performer since his arrival, would represent a major departure, but one that could provide crucial funds for squad reinforcement in multiple areas.
The coming months will determine whether Chelsea can capitalize on Liverpool's exit from the race and fend off Bayern Munich's interest to secure a player they have admired for several years. With Liverpool's resources likely to be channeled towards Diomande and other targets, the path for Gordon to move to London appears clearer, setting the stage for a potential major Premier League transfer.
