Liverpool transfers: Newcastle fear Anthony Gordon's head turned by talks

Liverpool rejected the opportunity to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle owing to concerns over his valuation and a belief that they had sufficient strength in depth in his position. 

That’s according to a new report from The Athletic, which also claims the Magpies had no chance of ever signing Jarell Quansah as part of the deal. 

It was reported by various sources over the weekend that Liverpool and Newcastle had held talks about signing England international Gordon. 

Newcastle’s precarious Premier League profit and sustainability rules position had led Eddie Howe’s side into floating the idea of selling the 23-year-old in an attempt to meet a fiancial shortfall that ran into the tens of millions. 

They ultimately managed to get two players out of the club before the June 30 deadline with reported Liverpool target Yankuba Minteh and homegrown talent Elliott Anderson moving to Brighton and Nottingham Forest respectively. 

Gordon's 'head turned' by Liverpool talks

That lessened the need to cash in on top stars like Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Gordon but it’s been reported in the Athletic that club sources fear that Gordon has had his head turned over the prospect of returning to Merseyside. 

The winger was on Liverpool’s books until the age of 11 before he was let go and ultimately came up through Everton’s youth ranks. 

But he has been dropping hints of his Liverpool leanings in recent times, describing Steven Gerrard as his all-time favourite player, naming Mohamed Salah as the best player in the world and revealing that Anfield provided the best match atmosphere in the Premier League - his own team’s St. James’ Park aside. 

Any prospect of a move to Liverpool however was scuppered quickly owing to Liverpool’s concerns over Newcastle’s proposal. 

First and foremost, the Reds’ transfer team thought Newcastle’s valuation was excessive, according to the Athletic, although that price tag isn’t revealed. 

Secondly with Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo as senior left-wing options, decision-makers thought there was enough cover in that position without delving into the market. 

And, thirdly, the idea of losing academy prospect Quansah was always considered a non-starter. 

Newcastle desperation to offload players

The overall deal was not deemed ‘worthy of consideration’, says the report from James Pearce, despite admiration inside the club for Gordon. 

Another report in the Athletic reveals Newcastle’s conversation with Liverpool was borne out of sheer desperation and that they only opened talks reluctantly. 

However, with it now known that the club would be willing to cash in, the higher-ups inside St. James’ Park fear the England star’s head has now been turned. 

He is under contract until 2026 having signed from Everton for around £45 million in January 2023, starring for Howe’s team last season with 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League.