Anthony Gordon Liverpool verdict amid Newcastle United contract fear over player unrest

Anthony Gordon is still the subject of much conversation. A player who was linked heavily with Liverpool has so far failed to shine this campaign for Newcastle United after a summer of unrest and speculation.

Gordon's representatives were believed to have held talks with Liverpool during the transfer window. Newcastle's Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) issues meant they were forced to look at a number of options, including selling one of their prized assets to bail them out of a financial hole.

Gordon appeared to be keen on a move back to Merseyside. The winger had departed Everton for the North East back in January 2023 for a £45million fee, and after a slow start to life at St James' Park, had produced some electric performances to force his way into the England squad for the Euros.

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Liverpool were linked with a £70m swoop for the 23-year-old, who supported them as a boy, but a switch never came about. However, Gordon's early-season form has led to more speculation on Tyneside about whether he is still pining over a move to the Reds, and whether he will sign a new contract or push for a transfer.

Gordon wasn't given a proper chance to showcase his abilities on the big stage by Gareth Southgate at the Euros, and whether that disappointment has lingered into this season, or he is suffering from a lack of a proper rest, or if the potential move to his boyhood club is still playing on his mind, there is no doubt he is yet to hit the heights of last term.

He has come under intense scrutiny in the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign - in which he has started every game for United and played 422 minutes in that time. Critics have highlighted his body language as cause for concern - and this has been heightened by his performance against Fulham in which he looked far from his best. And with supposed conflict between new sporting director Paul Mitchell and manager Eddie Howe, it isn't the happiest of camps for Gordon.

On the horizon is a new contract offer that would make Gordon Newcastle's highest-paid player. A £170,000-a-week deal has been mooted for the attacker whose current deal expires in 2026. Talks have tentatively began, but reports over the last 24 hours claim Liverpool and Arsenal are keeping a close eye on proceedings.

The Echo's sister title, the Newcastle Chronicle, ran a piece yesterday about how important Gordon remains to the club, a new contract and how he can return to his best. And readers took to the site to give their verdict on Gordon's form, and the reasons behind it - as well as commenting on those Liverpool links.

One reader, mactoon, wrote: "I said at the time that putting Gordon in the frame for a PSR-fuelled transfer was a massive own goal by the club. Liverpool were always going to go public with it and the press kept it alive long after Newcastle closed the door to the transfer.

"I can't imagine how Gordon feels knowing the club were willing to sell him for financial purposes but I bet all is not well in his mindset. Having said that, he is a professional and needs to get on with his job. He wasn't the only one I could criticise for the Fulham performance and I doubt rumours of battles between Howe and Mitchell are helping but the danger of complacency is rising it's ugly head and it needs sorted before the progress of the club is affected."

Bazz70, another reader, said the player needs a new contract to keep him from Liverpool's clutches, saying: "Give him whatever he wants, his head has been turned with Liverpool sniffing around and has clearly affected his performances, give him more money, greed always keeps players eventually."

While a £70m fee was suggested in the summer, Newcastle fans believe that undervalues the player, with 1FlyingMag adding: "£70m for Gordon, not a chance. The guy needs a break, when he's on form he's the best left-sided winger in the PL and one of the best in the world. He's barely had a break in 3 years, he'll come good he just needs to use the games to get his levels back up after missing most of pre season."

But others insist Howe and former co-owner Amanda Staveley are to blame for the situation. DukeLeblanc wrote: "If you believe what the manager said in Germany, all the players are down because of all the changes at the club over the summer. Making excuses before the season even started. Using the players as leverage to strengthen his own position in a power struggle.

"In truth, it was Amanda and Eddie's irresponsible spending that lead to Gordon being dangled on a hook this summer and currently, it's Eddie who keeps playing him out of position to accommodate a more one-dimensional player. How many different ways can you tell a lad that he's expendable?"

While the unrest and speculation rumbles on, Liverpool will remain linked with a player who supported them growing up on Merseyside, and who counted Steven Gerrard among his idols.