Why Liverpool Like Anthony Gordon, But a Move to Anfield Hinges on Departures

Well this one livened up our Transfer window eh. In the ever-evolving world of football transfers, the rumour mill spins tirelessly, with Liverpool’s interest in Anthony Gordon being one of the latest hot topics. Despite Liverpool’s apparent admiration for the Newcastle United winger, a move to Anfield is unlikely unless there’s a significant reshuffling within the squad, particularly concerning the departure of Luis Díaz or another key player.

Statistical Comparison: Gordon vs. Díaz

Examining the statistics from the 2023-24 season, it’s clear why Liverpool has their eyes on Gordon. Anthony Gordon has showcased commendable performance with a total of 2,890 minutes played, compared to Luis Díaz’s 2,629 minutes. Gordon scored 11 league goals, slightly ahead of Díaz’s 8 goals. He also beat Diaz in terms of assists in the league with 10 against Diaz’s 5. When it comes to expected goals (xG), Gordon stands at 10.2, whereas Díaz is slightly higher at 11.9.

Looking deeper into non-penalty expected goals (npxG), Gordon has 9.4, while Díaz boasts a figure of 11.9. Their involvement in the game is also noteworthy, with Gordon having 232 touches in the opposition box and Díaz 302. These statistics underline the potential Gordon could bring to Liverpool, echoing the sentiments shared by David Ornstein who noted Liverpool’s admiration for the player and the fact ‘they made their enquiry some weeks ago.’

Newcastle’s Transfer Movements

Adding another layer to this transfer saga, Newcastle United is reportedly closing in on signing Barcelona winger Raphinha. According to Football365, Newcastle’s increased offer for the Brazilian indicates their serious intent to bolster their squad with fresh talent. This move is particularly interesting given Barcelona’s financial situation, which necessitates selling players to fund new signings. The potential arrival of Raphinha at Newcastle could pave the way for Gordon’s exit, making this a crucial factor in any possible transfer involving Liverpool. Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has allegedly accepted Newcastle’s offer of €60 million for Raphinha, which could facilitate Gordon’s departure to Anfield should Newcastle secure their new winger.

The Three-Way Transfer Dynamic

This situation creates a fascinating three-way transfer dynamic. Barcelona’s financial constraints mean they need to offload players like Raphinha, who could then replace Gordon at Newcastle. This domino effect could finally allow Gordon to make his way to Liverpool, but only if Díaz or another key player leaves Anfield. However, it’s important to note that for Liverpool, acquiring Gordon isn’t a priority unless there is a departure. Gordon’s impressive statistics make him a desirable addition, yet the Reds are likely to maintain their current squad stability unless an opportunity arises to sell or loan out existing players.

One To Watch

Whilst Liverpool’s interest in Anthony Gordon is evident and supported by his solid performance metrics, the move to Anfield is contingent upon a departure from the current squad. Newcastle’s pursuit of Raphinha and Barcelona’s financial needs add further intrigue to this potential transfer triangle. As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether these moves will materialize, but one thing is certain: unless Díaz or another player exits Liverpool, Gordon’s arrival remains on hold.