A significant shift in strategy appears to be brewing behind the scenes at St. James’ Park, as reports suggest Newcastle United is now open to discussing the departure of Anthony Gordon. This represents a major change in how the club views the 24-year-old winger, who has quickly moved from an “untouchable” asset to a player whose future is suddenly up for debate.
According to Mick Brown, a former chief scout for Manchester United with deep ties to the industry, senior figures at the club are seriously weighing the benefits of cashing in on the England international while his market value remains peak.
The logic behind this potential sale is rooted in a frustrating paradox of performance. On one hand, Gordon was a standout performer during the club’s recent Champions League group stages, proving he has the temperament for the highest level of European football.
On the other hand, his domestic form has essentially “fallen off a cliff” during the 2025/26 campaign. With only two goals and a single assist across 17 Premier League appearances, the club’s leadership is reportedly becoming restless.
There is a growing sense of frustration regarding his “end product,” with insiders noting that his talent and pace are currently being overshadowed by wasteful finishing and poor decision-making in the final third.
For Newcastle, the motivation to sell is as much about financial management as it is about tactical evolution. Despite his recent slump, Gordon is still viewed as a high-value asset by the rest of the league.
Long-term admirers like Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly keeping a very close watch on the situation. Arsenal sees his explosive pace as a perfect stylistic fit for their transition-heavy attack, while Liverpool views him as the ideal candidate to inject fresh energy into a forward line that needs rejuvenation.
Newcastle’s hierarchy understands that if they wait too long allowing his contract to run down or his poor form to become a permanent trend his price tag will plummet. Selling now allows them to demand a “big fee” while his reputation as an elite young talent is still intact.
Mick Brown’s assessment is blunt: for a player with Gordon’s natural gifts and ability to use both feet, his goalscoring record is currently unacceptable.
The concern is that if Newcastle remains stuck with an underperforming player, the elite clubs will eventually lose interest. By moving him now, likely for a fee in excess of £60 million, the Magpies could solve several problems at once.
Most notably, a sale of this magnitude would provide an immediate boost to their balance sheet, helping the club navigate the strict Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) that have limited their spending power in recent windows.
| Anthony Gordon Season Stats (2025/26) | Premier League | Champions League |
| Appearances | 17 | 6 |
| Goals | 2 | 3 |
| Assists | 1 | 2 |
| Big Chances Missed | 9 | 2 |
However, the decision to let Gordon go is a massive gamble for manager Eddie Howe. While his goal and assist numbers are currently low, those statistics don’t tell the whole story of what he brings to the pitch.
Gordon’s work rate and defensive contributions remain among the best in the league for his position. His non-stop energy is a vital component of Howe’s high-pressing system, and removing that engine from the team could fundamentally destabilize how the Magpies play off the ball.
There is also the psychological impact on the squad and the supporters to consider. Gordon is a fan favorite, known for his grit and dedication to the shirt. Selling a popular young star to a direct rival like Arsenal or Liverpool is always a risky move; if he finds his shooting boots in a new environment, the criticism directed at the Newcastle board would be immense.
The recruitment team must be absolutely certain that they have a replacement lined up who can offer a more consistent goal threat without sacrificing the defensive intensity that Gordon provides.
Ultimately, the club is at a crossroads. They must decide if Gordon’s current struggles are merely a temporary slump or a sign that he has reached his ceiling as a finisher. If the money from a potential sale is reinvested wisely into a clinical forward and perhaps a creative midfielder, it could propel Newcastle to the next level.
But if they sell their most dangerous transition threat without a clear plan, they risk derailing their season just as it enters the most critical stretch. The coming weeks will reveal whether the club chooses the security of a balanced checkbook or the potential of a player who, despite his flaws, remains one of the most exciting talents in the country.
