Newcastle United were in talks with Bayern Munich before Anthony Gordon ultimately joined Barcelona.
Bayern Munich felt as though Barcelona were bluffing in their pursuit for Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle United agreed a deal worth £70million plus add-ons with the Catalans on Wednesday. Gordon flew out for a medical the following morning ahead of his unveiling at the Nou Camp.
The transfer sailed through at breakneck speed as both camps wanted its completion before the World Cup. An official announcement came yesterday, with Gordon addressing the Barca press pack.
Bayern Munich reaction
Until this week - following La Liga removing Barcelona’s spending cap - Bayern were firmly in the driving seat. Gordon’s camp met with high-ranking officials at the Allianz Arena.
There was strong confidence within Bayern circles that the winger would head to the Bundesliga. However, Barca swooped in to gazump the German giants - just as Newcastle did with Nick Woltemade last summer.
German outlet Bild claim Bayern thought Barcelona were “bluffing” given their recent financial situation. They never took a potential move to the Nou Camp seriously - and have been left with egg on their faces.
Gordon always preferred a dream move to Barca once the interest became genuine. The former Toon ace will now get the chance to prove he belongs on the world stage.
Anthony Gordon farewell message
“I’ve loved every single minute of playing for Newcastle, being a part of Newcastle,” he told the club website. “It’s an incredible club. One I’ll never forget and I’ll be a fan for the rest of my life. I love St James’ Park so much, I love playing there. We’ve had so many amazing nights, so many big wins.
“I think the energy, the fans… it’s been so iconic for me. I’ve thoroughly loved every moment playing there. From my first day, the people took to me straight away when we didn’t have to. I’ll never be able to say thank you enough, but thank you very much.”
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