Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon
Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon
Bayern Munich are monitoring Anthony Gordon’s progress at Newcastle United closely, believing there are plenty of benefits to a deal.
BILD journalist Christian Falk reports that Bayern see the Newcastle star as one who could cover them in several areas.
Bayern value Gordon versatility
A report this week named Bayern as surprise candidates for Anthony Gordon this summer. The Champions League semi-finalists were reportedly eyeing a £55m deal for the 25-year-old.
That certainly raised eyebrows given the talent in Bayern’s forward line at present. Vincent Kompany’s side have hit 105 goals in the Bundesliga already, breaking a record that had stood since the 1971-72 season.
Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz are in formidable form, to say the least. Real Madrid found that out in the Champions League this week. Where Gordon, who has 17 goals and five assists in 46 games this season, would fit in, is unclear.
But Falk argues that Bayern see plenty of benefits to the deal, as the Englishman can play in multiple positions.
“They are looking for a backup for Luis Díaz,” he said.
“I’ve made enquiries within the club, and the strategy was explained to me: Yes, Bayern is interested and he is on their shortlist.
“Because he is capable of playing in so many different positions, he wouldn’t merely be a pure backup.
“He could play behind Díaz, he is being considered as a backup for Kane, and he could also play on the right flank. And you have to admit getting two or three positional options for the price of one makes perfect sense.”
Newcastle United want £80m
The big problem could be Newcastle United’s asking price. According to Christian Falk’s information, they would want £80m to sell Gordon that summer.
Bayern may be hesitant at that price, given Luiz Diaz cost €67.5m, and has scored 24 goals and registered 18 assists in 42 games this season. Anthony Gordon, in comparison, would cost around €92m at the current asking price.
Falk admits that Bayern aren’t looking to do business with Newcastle for those figures.
“I’ve now heard a specific figure,” he added.
“Newcastle is looking to demand £80m, which equates to €92m. I’ve heard that Bayern, on the other hand, envisions a fee of €60m. I believe that discrepancy could be the dealbreaker.”
FFP could help Bayern’s cause
Bayern, though, might have an ace up their sleeve. Newcastle United are likely to require sales this summer to fund their own business and balance the books. And Falk suggests Bayern are aware of that.
“The Financial Fair Play regulations also play right into Bayern’s hands. Newcastle has some balancing to do in that regard,” he concluded.
“They have already completed a few deals recently to ensure they stayed compliant. And that is likely another reason why they need to sell players.
“The Telegraph has now reported that Anthony Gordon would be open to a move this summer. That sounds like an opportunity.”