**Newcastle United had to endure a summer of torture as the saga involving Alexander Isak's move to Liverpool overshadowed everything happening at the club.**
The national media had been pushing the agenda that Alexander Isak was to leave Newcastle for months before the summer window opened. It started with relentless stories about him moving to Arsenal, which got increasingly obnoxious as pundits spoke as if there was a divine right that he should be playing for the London club.
As the Arsenal links died down, the Liverpool links got stronger and ultimately, Isak's head was turned and the striker downed tools to force his move away from the club.
He had to wait until transfer deadline day, but he eventually got his wish. The entire summer was focused on one player and his actions rather than the positive news of the players Newcastle were bringing in. It was a clusterbiff of epic proportions and so frustrating for Toon fans.
Anthony Gordon has an eye on England's World Cup squad
Liverpool want Anthony Gordon to replace Mo Salah
Well, it looks like we may have to endure a whole year of torment this time, as the rumours around Liverpool coming for one of Newcastle's star players are starting up early this time.
Liverpool's interest in Anthony Gordon isn't a secret; there were rumours of a move last summer when Gordon was away with England at Euro 2024. Those stories ultimately got to the Newcastle winger and his form suffered. He has since promised that he's cleared his head and is back to his best this season. We have seen flashes of this, but no consistency to back it up as yet.
However, [Football Insider are already running reports that Liverpool wants Anthony Gordon to replace Mo Salah](https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-liverpool-turn-attention-to-signing-two-premier-league-stars-to-replace-mohamed-salah/). They also suggest Liverpool are tracking Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, which makes sense as he has been on fire this season so far.
Would you be upset if Anthony Gordon was sold for £80+m in the summer?
* Not really. Doubling our money would be a good bit of business.
* Yes. He's an integral part of Eddie Howe's team.
* I'd be upset if we sold him to Liverpool, but anyone else is fair game for the right price.
Anthony Gordon needs to block out the noise and focus on Newcastle
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It's going to be a long year as this rumour isn't likely to go away, and the fact that Gordon is a boyhood Liverpool fan is only going to add an extra layer of believability to any story that pops up.
What will be, will be with this one. We're not going to stick our neck out and say he won't go, as we've learned our lesson from Isak.
All we care about is that Gordon keeps his head down, ignores the noise while the season is going on and gives his all for Newcastle. It should be easier for him, given that he's also playing for a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup.
If we can double our money on Gordon in the summer, then I don't think anyone would be too broken-hearted. He is unstoppable on his day, and if he gets back to his best between now and May, then there may be more calls to keep him, but right now, he's just not consistent enough.
In the 2023/24 season, he was incredible, and we wouldn't have entertained the idea of letting him go, but last season erased a lot of that goodwill, and now he has to earn it back. Tuesday's performance against Benfica was a good start, but then he failed to back it up against Fulham on Saturday.