Anthony Gordon Breaks Silence on Liverpool Transfer That Never Materialised

Anthony Gordon has publicly reflected on the intense period last summer when he was offered to Liverpool by Newcastle United in a proposed transfer that ultimately failed to materialise. The 23-year-old winger has now revealed the emotional toll the episode took on him, as well as how close he came to switching St James’ Park for Anfield.

In an interview with Craig Hope, Gordon detailed the psychological pressure he faced as speculation mounted around his future, coinciding with a challenging time on the international front.

“It’s true, that was the case,” he said of his mental struggles during the saga. “I would never lie. It was difficult for me because one, I had the Euros, which was horrendous for me mentally. I was there, I wasn’t playing.”

PSR Pressure Sparked Newcastle’s Approach to Liverpool

Last summer, Newcastle United faced a significant financial challenge as they approached the June 30 Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) deadline. With pressure mounting to comply with Premier League regulations, the club explored drastic measures, including the potential sale of top performers.

Anthony Gordon, one of their standout players, was made available in a proposed deal that would have seen Liverpool defender Joe Gomez move in the opposite direction. The Merseyside club showed interest, with the Anfield hierarchy keen on the England international, particularly as they sought to bolster their attacking options under new manager Arne Slot.

However, Newcastle shifted strategy late in the window. Rather than allowing Gordon to depart, the club opted to raise funds by offloading Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson. That move helped them remain PSR-compliant while retaining one of their most valuable assets.

Emotional Fallout and Uncertainty for Gordon

Gordon admitted that the uncertainty around his future was tough to handle, both before and after the potential move collapsed.

“Then I had the transfer stuff. With PSR, I thought I was going to leave at some point in the window. It didn’t happen,” he said.

“I had to get my head around that to begin with (thinking he was going), and then to get my head around it again (when it didn’t happen) was hard.”

For Gordon, the disruption affected both his form and mindset. “I’m a human being. It’s really difficult. That is why I understand what Alex is going through. I feel for him. He will be going through a lot,” he added, referring to Newcastle midfielder Alexander Isak, who has recently been linked with a move away from the club.

Focus Returns to Football as New Season Nears

With the new Premier League season on the horizon, Gordon’s focus will return to on-pitch matters as he looks to build on an impressive individual campaign in 2024–25. Newcastle United will hope to retain their key players and avoid a repeat of last summer’s financial uncertainty, while Liverpool’s interest in Gordon suggests the door may not be entirely closed on a future move.

For now, though, Gordon remains a Newcastle player, and his honesty about the ordeal offers a rare glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by footballers amid the chaos of modern transfer windows.