Anthony Gordon might have to repeat Everton trick to land Liverpool transfer

Those who have followed Anthony Gordon’s comments in recent months could perhaps argue that the Liverpudlian has been dropping breadcrumbs for a return back to Merseyside.

Describing Steven Gerrard as his idol, revealing his admiration for Mohamed Salah, calling Anfield the best stadium aside from St James’ Park “by far” - it’s hard to imagine any other former Evertonian making these public admissions.

Of course, this isn't overly surprising. Gordon was part of Liverpool’s academy before being released and ending up on the other side of Stanley Park. The Newcastle United winger has played at Anfield twice, grabbing an assist in January's 4-2 defeat.

READ MORE: Anthony Gordon may have given game away about Liverpool transfer from Newcastle

READ MORE: Liverpool 'hatch' £50m Anthony Gordon transfer 'plan'

He joyfully celebrated when he knocked Newcastle ahead in August's 2-1 home loss as Darwin Nunez’s two late goals stole the show. But reports this week say Gordon has recently been longingly looking back at his home city after talks between his club and Liverpool.

The ECHO reported last week that the two clubs had discussed a deal before an agreement fell through with Newcastle wanting Jarell Quansah in return - a proposition that would have made little sense given Joel Matip’s exit has dwindled centre-back numbers and the potential Quansah boasts.

Furthermore, Liverpool feel they have enough left wing options in Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, albeit if the latter does leave the picture could change. Perhaps that is Gordon’s only route in.

A deal with Liverpool will be made harder now that Sunday’s Profit & Sustainability Rules [PSR] deadline has passed. The Telegraph says the Magpies believe Liverpool were trying to snap up a cut-price deal amid Newcastle’s precarious PSR position.

However, it also adds that they fear that Gordon’s head has now been turned and that the player was ‘extremely keen’ on a move to Anfield. Newcastle, it says, will make a concerted effort to make him feel appreciated at St James’ Park ahead of the new season.

They are said to be adamant on keeping Gordon but there are still two months to go until the window shuts and Gordon has been in a similar situation before. The 23-year-old took matters into his own hands in January 2023, submitting a transfer request and refusing to train in order to force a £45m exit to Newcastle.

“I didn't mean to disrespect or offend anyone at Everton,” he later insisted. "I'm hoping they know that and I'm hoping they can reinvest the money now and stay in the Premier League." The Toffees ultimately did stay up but perhaps were reluctant to understand.

A straight-bat statement devoid of thank yous and best wishes that confirmed his exit said: “Anthony Gordon has joined Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee. The 21-year-old forward leaves Everton after having submitted a formal transfer request.

“Gordon joined the Club’s Academy at the age of 11 and made his senior debut as a 16-year-old in a Europa League tie in December 2017. He went on to make 78 first-team appearances, scoring seven goals.”

Gordon later admitted: “For them to not show me any credit or thank me, it hurt me a little bit.” The reality could be that the only way for him to force through a move to Liverpool is to cause hurt, and get hurt, again.

Another transfer request would likely damage the young footballer's reputation, which will factor into any decision to ask to leave. Reports elsewhere state Gordon is happy at Newcastle working under Eddie Howe, and the odds of him submitting another exit demand do seem low at this stage.

In interviews, Gordon has portrayed himself as a figure whose head rules over his heart, a battle that may reach a new intensity if Liverpool’s interest lingers and Diaz does remain in-house. The only way through might be to replicate his Everton demands.

As he told The Overlap in April: “I’ve got one goal and purpose… to be at the very top of football. Nothing will get in the way of that. My ambition is to be at the top - and I couldn’t do that where I was (Everton).”