Liverpool are reportedly leading Arsenal in the race to sign Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, with the England international potentially set to headline a significant summer shake-up at St James’ Park.
Gordon has been on Liverpool’s radar for quite some time, with the club coming close to securing his signature during the 2024 summer transfer window.
That proposed move ultimately fell through at the final stages, but interest from Anfield has not faded.
Instead, it has resurfaced periodically, and the 23-year-old is now being considered as a possible successor to Mohamed Salah should the Egyptian forward depart.
According to a report from Football Insider, former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes Liverpool are better positioned than Arsenal to strike a deal for Gordon.
He also suggested that the winger could be one of two high-profile departures from Newcastle this summer as the club looks to reshape its squad.
Wyness pointed to growing frustration among sections of the Newcastle fanbase regarding Gordon’s performances.
While he stopped short of claiming the club is actively pushing him out, he indicated that a sale could suit all parties if the right offer arrives.
He added that Newcastle may be willing to accept a reasonable fee, which would then be reinvested into strengthening the squad ahead of the new season.
Interestingly, Wyness also mentioned that another player, Nick Woltemade, could be on his way out as part of a broader effort to raise funds.
Newcastle’s recruitment strategy is expected to hinge on player sales, particularly if they fail to secure Champions League football, making departures of key assets more likely.
Although it may be overstated to suggest Newcastle are eager to offload Gordon, financial and competitive realities could force their hand.
Alongside Gordon, other notable names such as Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have also been linked with potential exits, highlighting the scale of the possible overhaul.
Liverpool, for their part, are actively exploring options to refresh their attacking line. Gordon is believed to be among several targets under consideration as the club prepares for a transitional phase, especially with ongoing uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future.
However, he is not necessarily the top choice, with reports indicating that the Reds have a preferred alternative in mind.
Despite the speculation, not everyone believes a move to Liverpool would be the right decision for Gordon at this stage of his career.
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has urged caution, suggesting the winger would benefit more from staying at Newcastle, where he has already established himself as a key figure.
Sutton acknowledged that Gordon’s early career raised questions about his temperament, particularly during his time at Everton.
However, he praised the player’s development under manager Eddie Howe, noting that Gordon has matured significantly and delivered standout performances last season.
He also emphasized the strong bond between Gordon and the Newcastle supporters, as well as his positive relationship with Howe.
According to Sutton, these factors make Newcastle an ideal environment for the winger’s continued growth, and leaving too soon could disrupt that progress.
While Liverpool remains an attractive destination and a move could materialize in the future, Sutton believes patience would serve Gordon well.
Staying put for another season could allow him to build on his current form and further solidify his reputation before making a high-profile switch.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are not only focusing on wide attacking options but are also reportedly in competition with Newcastle for a new striker.
This overlap in transfer targets adds another layer of intrigue to the relationship between the two clubs heading into the summer window.
Elsewhere, Gary Neville has expressed concerns that Salah’s potential departure could negatively impact Liverpool manager Arne Slot, given the Egyptian’s importance to the team.
However, Salah himself has yet to make a final decision regarding his future, though transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has already ruled out one possible destination.
As the summer approaches, Gordon’s situation is shaping up to be one of the more compelling transfer stories, with Liverpool currently appearing to hold the upper hand.