Anthony Gordon is on the brink of leaving Newcastle United to join Barcelona.
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan is surprised that Barcelona are set to sign Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle United agreed a deal worth £70million plus add-ons for the England international on Wednesday. Gordon joined the Magpies in January 2023 and was part of the squad that secured two Champions League qualifications and won the Carabao Cup.
Toon chiefs were determined to avoid an Alexander Isak repeat and acted just days after the Premier League season ended. The reaction on social media in Newcastle circles has been largely positive - so long as the hierarchy pounce swiftly to sign his replacement.
Simon Jordan on Anthony Gordon transfer
Speaking on talkSPORT, ex-Palace chief Jordan questioned why Barca and Bayern Munich chased Gordon. He said: “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.
“I mean, Newcastle getting £70million, best part of... First of all, having Barcelona at the table can either increase the opportunity for Bayern Munich. We're talking about two elite clubs in Europe bidding for a player that I think is… ok. 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!”
‘Difficult to see...’ - Simon Jordan
Jordan also raised concerns about how Newcastle expect to challenge for elite honours by 2030 if they keep selling their best players. He added: “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.”
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