NUFC are sticking to their higher valuations of their top stars again this summer
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon (left) and Alexander Isak
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon (left) and Alexander Isak
Newcastle United fans are growing used to seeing their top stars linked to Premier League rivals. Last summer it was Anthony Gordon, this time around it's Alexander Isak.
In some ways it's a glowing endorsement of the Magpies' transfer strategy that players can almost double in value after a few short years on Tyneside under the watchful eye of Eddie Howe and his coaching staff.
While United are determined to hold on to their top stars, the reality is that every player has their price . . . but Newcastle have made it clear that they will only entertain huge bids for their elite players.
So far, that strategy has proved successful, with rivals seemingly reluctant to back up interest with firm bids.
It's a stance former United and England winger Chris Waddle fully endorses - and he points to none other than Manchester City star Jack Grealish as evidence.
He left Aston Villa for the Etihad for £100m in 2021, and Waddle insists that Gordon is worth just as much as that, if not more. Liverpool have splashed the cash of Florian Wirtz this summer while £100m+ deals seen for the likes of Declan Rice, Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo are now increasingly common.
It strengthens United's stance on the likes of Isak and Gordon, and Waddle feels they can now achieve their ambitions on Tyneside.
“If Jack Grealish was £100million four years ago, Newcastle would want the same fee for Anthony Gordon now," the former England winger told OLBG.
“He's still young, we know he's a handful to play against, he scores, the only disappointing part of his game is that he dives a lot, but you have to say he’s getting better year by year.
“He’s yet to reach his peak and is improving so you can see why Liverpool and other clubs will be looking at him. I think this summer is a good test for Newcastle.
“It’s a chance for to say to the players, we’re in the Champions League so why would you want to go anywhere?
“Liverpool won the league last season, but next season Newcastle might well win it next season. They will bring in three or four players, I think they have the money available, qualify for the Champions League again and bring more players in.
“Why would you want to leave? Maybe if you’re not getting a game, but it’s a good test for Newcastle to keep their players and to see how they stand.
“If you’re contracted to the club they can tell you that you are not leaving unless we get £150million, then it’s up to the buying club. If Gordon decides he wants to leave, there's not a lot you can do apart from ask for a big fee.
“He's still learning. Still not England’s No 11 yet and at the end of last season Harvey Barnes played really well and Gordon had some time on the bench.
“My advice to him would be to knuckle down. The Champions League is a shop window to not just English clubs but beyond, there will be clubs chasing him but Newcastle hold the cards. Unless it’s silly money and you ask to leave, you’re not going anywhere.”
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