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Friday, March 29, 2024

Bitter end to Anthony Gordon's Everton career highlighted in statement on Newcastle move

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Anthony Gordon has completed his transfer from Everton to Newcastle – but the move has seen him burn bridges with his boyhood club.

Newcastle announced the arrival of Gordon in a deal worth £45million on Sunday. The 21-year-old winger has signed a long-term contract and has now traded in a relegation battle for a fight for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

“People haven’t seen what I’m capable of yet,” Gordon said upon his arrival on Tyneside. “So I feel like it’s a really big step – and I think I can really excel being here. I am not nervous about moving, I am really excited, and it is part of maturing.”

Gordon had to go to extreme lengths to get the transfer completed – and his actions have alienated swathes of Everton supporters. The youngster decided to go awol from Toffees training, instead travelling down to London on Monday to personally meet with owner Farhad Moshiri to put his case forward for a transfer.

He ended up missing three training sessions during a crucial period for Everton, who have been without a manager, in between the sacking of Frank Lampard and the expected appointment of Sean Dyche. The incoming Everton boss had the final say in letting Gordon leave, but the club made him submit a formal transfer request to save money on loyalty payments.

The frosty nature of the move was summed up by Everton’s brief 64-word club statement. “Anthony Gordon has joined Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee,” it read. “The 21-year-old forward leaves Everton after having submitted a formal transfer request.

Anthony Gordon has angered Everton fans by moving to Newcastle
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Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

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“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 is not new to transfer speculation, having been pursued aggressively by Chelsea during the summer window. The Blues made a £60million bid for the England under-21 international back in August, only for Everton to resist the approach.

Newcastle were also keen on signing Gordon in the summer. They have now got their man, and Gordon did try to explain his thinking and quell unrest in the blue half of Merseyside.

Anthony Gordon sparked a backlash from Everton fans
(
Everton FC via Getty Images)

“I didn’t mean to disrespect or offend anyone at Everton, I am hoping they know that, and they can reinvest the money now and stay in the PL,” he said.

“It’s been such a tough week for me because I never imagined I would leave like that, but they have got a lot of money for me, and I’m hoping they can reinvest that in the squad.

“It was extremely difficult to leave Everton, I’ve been there my whole footballing career, but this was an opportunity I just couldn’t miss out on.”

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