The former Crystal Palace owner has passed verdict on the big Newcastle United transfer news
Simon Jordan
Simon Jordan(Image: talkSPORT)
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Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has called on Newcastle United's owners the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund to show how ambitious they are in the wake of Anthony Gordon's move to Barcelona.
Gordon's £69million move to the Spanish champions was set to be confirmed on Friday with the 25-year-old ending his three-and-a-half year association with the Magpies by penning a five-year deal at the Camp Nou.
Newcastle were keen to get the deal done early in the summer, to allow them the optimum amount of time to reinvest that money into the playing squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
United are embracing a player trading model which has seen the likes of Bournemouth and Brighton have great success but after CEO David Hopkinson's proclamation over Newcastle becoming one of the biggest clubs in the world by 2030, Jordan has cast some doubts over the wisdom of selling the club's best players.
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"It's an interesting one to suggest that Anthony Gordon would fulfil the role of Lewandowski, but that's perhaps what they see him as," Jordan told talkSPORT.
"I mean, Newcastle getting £70million. He's a good player, but we're talking about £70million and two of the biggest names in domestic football wanting to sign him.
"So it's sad for Newcastle that they have to lose players but, in return for that, they're getting a big fee and he's getting a wonderful opportunity.
"I don't personally see him at that level but then what do I know? I'm not a football person, I'm a bitter, old, failed chairman!
"If you're trying to build something successful, then you need to keep the best players, not sell them.
"That will all fall hand-in-hand with how ambitious the Saudis are, what they're actually going to do, because the expectation was that Newcastle were going to be a highly competitive force.
"We've enjoyed watching them at certain times, but this season has been a little bit of a flatline for them. Not only have they lost (Alexander) Isak, now they're losing Gordon. They probably will lose Tonali and a few other players.
"So it's difficult to see how Newcastle build this 2030 vision that we're being sold. That they're going to be dominant in domestic football, when you're constantly selling players that might help you get there."