Newcastle manager Eddie Howe tells Anthony Gordon to ignore transfer rumours and focus on his club and England World Cup ambitions.
NEWCASTLE manager Eddie Howe has urged forward Anthony Gordon to maintain his focus amid speculation linking him with a summer move to Arsenal. Media reports on Friday suggested the Premier League leaders are targeting the 25-year-old striker.
Howe acknowledged the difficulty of controlling such rumours, referencing Alexander Isak’s protracted move to Liverpool last summer. “I’m not sure there’s a lot I can do about that,” Howe told reporters ahead of Saturday’s league match against Gordon’s former club Everton.
He emphasised the importance of concentration during a critical period. “We’re mid-season, we’re in the middle of some of the biggest games of his career,” Howe said.
Gordon, who scored four goals in a Champions League play-off first-leg victory over Qarabag last week, signed a new long-term contract with Newcastle in October 2024. He dismissed rumours of a departure earlier this month.
The forward will hope to continue his good form to secure a place in the England squad for this year’s World Cup finals. Howe was asked if he feared Gordon would be distracted by the Arsenal talk.
“Only if he reads it, I suppose,” Howe replied. “In this age, there’s always rumour and speculation.”
The manager added that dealing with speculation is part of being a top player. “I think you’ve just got to put it out of your brain and you’ve got to focus on the football,” he said.
Howe made these comments before Newcastle were drawn against Barcelona in the Champions League last 16. He stressed the packed schedule leaves no time for distractions.