Wayne Rooney clapping and Anthony Gordon in circle
(Credit: Imago)
Jack Dawson
Thu 21 August 2025 16:40, UK
Wayne Rooney continues to be affiliated with Everton despite his retirement.
The England legend is arguably the greatest player Everton’s academy has ever produced, going on to have a fine career.
Now retired, Rooney has opted to become a pundit after a short spell as a manager.
This has allowed the 39-year-old to return to the Toffees fold more, with Rooney part of Everton’s farewell celebrations at Goodison Park.
Now, the former Manchester United player has shared a story about his time with Anthony Gordon amid the ongoing Alexander Isak saga.
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Anthony Gordon had progressed through Everton’s academy (Credit: Getty Images)
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Wayne Rooney: Newcastle can’t have it both ways with Alexander Isak saga
While Everton are looking to get deals done before the end of the transfer window, Newcastle are still struggling to keep hold of Isak.
The Swede is determined to leave the Magpies this summer, and is currently refusing to play.
However, Newcastle have profited from such a situation before, as Rooney was quick to remind viewers on Match of the Day on 21 August.
The attacker’s former teammate Gordon went AWOL at Everton to push a move to Newcastle in January 2023.
Isak is pushing for a move away from Newcastle
The Swede has refused to play after a bid from Liverpool was rejected
Newcastle are on the hunt for a potential replacement
Now, Rooney has criticised Newcastle, saying they can’t pick and choose when it’s acceptable.
He said: “If I’m a Newcastle player, I don’t want him back. Players leave football clubs, and that happens all of the time, but there is a way to go about it, and you can’t go on strike.
“He’s deserted you, he doesn’t want to be there, he doesn’t want to be your teammate.
“Newcastle are not happy with Isak’s behaviour because Liverpool want to sign him, but on the flip side of that, Newcastle are trying to sign Wissa, who’s behaving in the exact same way.
“I remember Anthony Gordon not playing for Everton because he wanted to go to Newcastle.
“You can’t have it both ways, but in terms of Isak’s teammates, I wouldn’t want him back.”
"If I'm a Newcastle player, I don't want him back" 🙅
Wayne Rooney shares his thoughts on Alexander Isak and Yoane Wissa's transfer situations. pic.twitter.com/iKQGlFOcR1
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) August 21, 2025
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David Moyes needs to ensure a repeat of Anthony Gordon never happens
In modern football, there have been plenty of players who have pushed for a move away despite the club wanting to keep hold of them.
While this can be hard to prevent, assessing any target’s attitude before signing can help avoid this situation from happening to Everton again.
Unfortunately, Everton’s decline has allowed many Premier League clubs to seemingly look more desirable, especially if they are in Europe.
Therefore, David Moyes should push for this policy, and while it could mean the Toffees miss out on potential additions, the long-term benefits will be evident.
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