Anthony Gordon Newcastle squad decision explained amid Liverpool transfer saga

Anthony Gordon has been left out of Newcastle's matchday squad as they take on Ligue 1 outfit Brest at St James' Park. It comes just one day after Eddie Howe's side played Girona in their final pre-season preparations.

Liverpool, who hold a strong interest in Gordon this summer having been granted a path to signing him in the final week of June, play their own last game on Sunday afternoon against Sevilla before the Premier League season gets underway. They have been monitoring Gordon's movements in the last two months.

Gordon played and scored on Friday against Girona, bagging the second in a 4-0 win before being taken off at half-time, reflecting just why Liverpool are keen to add him to their squad. However, with just three weeks to go of the summer window, the chances of completing a deal are not high.

Even though Gordon did not get the nod for Newcastle on Saturday, it isn't thought to be related to his future. Instead, Howe fully rotated his team to give out minutes to the wider squad.

Writing on social media after the game, Gordon said, “Back on the grass [smiley face emoji]". His teammate, Jacob Murphy, was clearly happy to have Gordon back, responding, "Missed you Gordy".

Gordon has only played the one game so far since the end of Euro 2024, where he was an unused substitute in all but one match. He will be aiming to continue the impressive form from last season that saw him get a place in the England squad.

As well as being a boyhood Liverpool fan, it is Gordon's attacking threat that has made him an attractive option. The former Everton wideman scored 11 times in the league for Newcastle in 2023/24, assisting another ten.

In Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool squad only Mohamed Salah managed more than Gordon on both counts for goal contributions. Arne Slot is yet to see his own group change ahead of the new campaign, and wingers have been a topic of hot conversation following links with Salah leaving and Luis Diaz catching the interest of clubs across Europe.