- Anthony Gordon sends Newcastle United message from England camp
- Reflects on failed Liverpool transfer
- World Cup focus with £70m move complete
Anthony Gordon has sent a classy message to Newcastle United following his £69 million move to Barcelona at the end of May, and landed what could be considered as a subtle dig to Premier League rivals Liverpool.
The England international was cast out of the starting XI by Eddie Howe once speculation began over his future, but Gordon has clearly left Tyneside with positive feelings towards the Magpies.
Gordon, who is currently away with the England squad ahead of the World Cup this month, has reflected on his transfer to Barcelona when speaking to ITV.
Anthony Gordon lands dig at Liverpool transfer saga
He said: “It’s an unbelievable scenario [move to Barcelona]. I must thank Newcastle and Barcelona because they were both unbelievable with me. Both worked on my behalf and really looked after me through the process to get it done.
“You were at the Euros last time with me and I was going through the other transfer stuff, it was really difficult and I couldn’t really shake it, so I must thank both clubs. I’m really grateful that’s done.”
Gordon is, of course, referring to the summer transfer window of 2024. During that year, Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for Gordon.
The BBC reported that the Reds turned down a proposal from the Magpies, which would have seen Gordon sent to Anfield for a fee, with Jarell Quansah moving to St James’ Park as part of a swap deal.
That was just a year-and-a-half after Gordon arrived at Newcastle from Everton for £45 million. Liverpool were widely believed to be interested in the player, but never sent a formal bid to the Magpies.
Gordon thanks Newcastle United ahead of World Cup campaign
At the time, Gordon was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad at Euro 2024. The winger was an unused substitute for six of the seven matches in that campaign, handed just one minute from the bench in the 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
That was clearly a tough time for the forward, who is thankful of Newcastle working hard to put an end to this summer’s transfer saga before the start of the World Cup, allowing the player to concentrate on representing the Three Lions.
Gordon didn’t feature in any of the Magpies’ final six Premier League matches this term, with Howe admitting that his team selection did take into account the long-term future of the club.
Nonetheless, Gordon was given a warm-hearted goodbye by the club as he joined Barcelona, and Newcastle fans can only respect the player further for issuing another public message of thanks to his former club.
Over three-and-a-half years, Gordon made 152 appearances for Newcastle United, scoring 39 goals and picking up 28 assists. He could make his World Cup debut for England against Croatia next Wednesday.
In other news, Newcastle United set to miss out on Barcelona star Marc Casado.
