During the summer transfer window, Newcastle United fans were worried about the prospect of life without Alexander Isak, given the levels he produced on the pitch.
The Swede, who burnt his bridges on Tyneside after handing in a transfer request, ultimately departed to join Liverpool, with the club struggling to replace him despite signing Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
The same situation could happen again this summer, with winger Anthony Gordon the latest player linked with a big-money exit from St James’ Park.
Newcastle's Anthony Gordon
Eddie Howe’s men sit in a strong position with the attacker, as the England international currently has four years left on his current contract with the Magpies.
However, the interest from some of Europe’s elite could force the hierarchy into a sale - especially considering the club’s lowly standing in the Premier League.
The latest on Anthony Gordon’s future at Newcastle
Over the last couple of weeks, a handful of sides have registered interest in signing Gordon, which could lead to Newcastle cashing in on his services - to the disappointment of the fanbase.
Arsenal are just one of the clubs that have a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old, but are yet to make a move to complete a deal for the England international.
anthony-gordon-newcastle-sunderland
However, Bayern Munich are a side who have stormed into the race for his signature in recent days, with a real chance that the attacker moves to the Bundesliga.
It’s been confirmed that Vincent Kompany’s side have made Gordon their top target for the left-wing position this summer - leading to a £60m deal being mooted.
Contact has also been made between the German giants and the player’s representatives, but the Magpies maintain their stance that he’s not for sale this summer.
Given the financial issues at St James’ and the current league standing, sales are to be expected this summer - which could see the board have to change their stance on Gordon’s future.
Newcastle may have just signed another Gordon
Should Gordon depart Newcastle this summer, the likes of Ross Wilson will have to work their magic to find an adequate replacement to provide the goods in the final third.
Newcastle technical director Ross Wilson
The 25-year-old has been crucial for the Magpies this season, as seen by his remarkable tally of 17 goals in 46 games across all competitions - the highest of any player in the squad.
At present, no player has yet been touted as a number one option to replace the England international, but the upcoming transfer window could see business being conducted on Tyneside.
The likes of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga will no doubt feel as though they can step up to the plate, after playing bit part roles behind Gordon throughout 2025/26.
However, the aforementioned duo may not be the chosen option to replace the winger long-term, with that responsibility falling onto the shoulders of Johan Martinez.
It was confirmed earlier this week that a deal was in place to sign the 16-year-old winger from homeland club Independiente del Valle, but he won’t join the Magpies until the summer of 2027.
The Ecuadorian will no doubt be an unknown prospect to many supporters, but he will no doubt be a player who will capture the hearts of the fanbase in Newcastle.
Heralded as an "exciting" talent by the Telegraph's Luke Edwards, despite his tender age, Martinez has been a constant presence in the Ecuador U17 national team, even scoring on Sunday during their South American Under-17 Championship win over Chile.
Johan Martinez - Ecuador U17 stats vs Chile
Statistics
Minutes played
Touches
Goals scored
Assists
Dribbles completed
Key passes made
Ground duels won
Tackles made
His underlying stats from the aforementioned outing demonstrate his quality in the final third, whilst also highlighting the talent the Magpies have managed to secure amid interest from elsewhere in Europe.
Martinez, who's been dubbed "fabulous" by Santiago Bucaram Lopez, featured for 78 minutes during the 3-1 victory, subsequently managing to complete seven dribbles - the most of any player on the pitch from either side.
ross-wilson-newcastle
The 16-year-old managed to create five chances for his teammates, whilst laying on three key passes - resulting in an assist to go alongside his excellent strike.
However, out of possession, the teenager managed to win 12 ground duels and made a tackle and an interception, which demonstrates his tireless work rate.
The fans will have to wait at least a year to see the Ecuadorian in action on Tyneside, but it’s evident that the hierarchy have already conducted excellent business by landing his signature.
He will need time to settle into the demands of English football, but with faith shown in him, there’s no reason why he can’t be the long-term replacement should Gordon depart the Magpies.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match Related
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Newcastle United could make a huge call on the future of Eddie Howe in the weeks ahead.