Anthony Gordon won’t be linking up with Newcastle United in Japan, head coach Eddie Howe has confirmed.
Only three weeks ago did the Magpies winger’s 2023–24 campaign come to a close when he was included in the England team that advanced to the Euro 2024 final.
Howe has opted to postpone Gordon’s call until the following week, when Girona and Stade Brestois visit St James’ Park for the “Sela weekender,” when Newcastle plays the Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F. Marinos.
With the Premier League season starting a week later against Southampton, it will be Newcastle’s final chance to get minutes under Gordon’s belt.
“Miggy [Almiron] and Fabian [Schar] will join us,” Howe stated, confirming which foreign player will be traveling to the Far East. We have Martin [Dubravka] joining us. Anthony Gordon and [Kieran Trippier] Tripps will be the following week. Yes, Bruno [Guimaraes]. How could I have forgotten him?
Howe recently downplayed concerns that Gordon could feel uneasy upon returning to Newcastle for the preseason.
In a frantic bid to collect money before June 30 in order to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the Magpies started discussions with Liverpool over the possible sale of Gordon.
Ultimately, Newcastle was spared the sale of Gordon as well as other important players like Guimaraes and Alexander Isak. But doing so required giving up two of its most promising young players, Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, who went on to sign deals for a combined £68 million to join Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion, respectively.
Although there have been rumors that Gordon is spooked by the departure conversation—especially since his childhood club was brought up—Howe is optimistic that the 23-year-old will return to Tyneside prepared for the upcoming campaign.
Howe stated, “I’m confident he is ok.” “In my opinion, you can only evaluate Anthony based on his contributions to Newcastle on the field. He has shown commitment. Over the summer, we haven’t had any tense or unpleasant talks.
He has always been the Anthony Gordon who has given Newcastle everything, and I want everyone who supports us to know that.
“If I had three arms, I’d welcome him back,” Howe said. Since he is so vital to our team, we didn’t want to lose anyone. Is it really our goal to lose our greatest players? We battled tirelessly to arrive at the best choices. Over the past few weeks, it has been really challenging.
He plays a crucial role in our work. He requires a brief respite. When he returns, he’s prepared to depart.
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