How Anthony Gordon’s Transfer Negotiations Changed Everything
The Anthony Gordon transfer drama between Everton and Chelsea was one of the most significant stories in recent football history.
Everton, led by Frank Lampard, stood their ground when Chelsea made multiple bids, even suggesting loan swaps for players like Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja.
They saw Anthony Godonn as more than just a young player; they saw him as central to their plans.
Eager to bolster their attacking options, Chelsea saw Gordon as a potential game-changer.
His performances at Everton, where he contributed six goals in 35 Premier League appearances during his breakout season, had caught the attention of top clubs.
But Everton wasn’t going to let him go without ensuring a substantial return.
Lampard, who at the time was navigating Everton through a tricky period, stressed that any deal for Godon had to benefit the club both financially and in terms of squad depth.
The negotiations stretched on, with Chelsea upping their offer to around £50m plus add-ons, but Everton held firm, even throwing in the possibility of loaning Chelsea players to sweeten the deal.
Gordorn’s Transfer Request and the Move to Newcastle
However, the intense negotiations didn’t yield the expected Chelsea move.
As we now know, on January 29, 2023, Gordon took control of his future, formally submitting a transfer request.
His decision to leave Everton came after months of uncertainty, and while the club initially resisted, he eventually secured a long-term contract with Newcastle United.
The reported fee was £40 million, potentially rising to £45 million with add-ons, a figure that echoed the high value Everton had always placed on him.
Gordon’s Reflections on Everton’s Departure
Yet, this wasn’t just a business move for Gordon, it was personal.
Reflecting on his time at Everton, Godonn expressed disappointment with how the club handled his departure, especially given his contributions to keeping them in the Premier League the previous season.
“I was a massive part in keeping the club up,” he said, clearly hurt by the abrupt nature of his exit after everything he had given on the pitch.
Challenges Leading to His Exit
Before the move, Gordon had been riding a wave of emotions.
After scoring back-to-back goals against Brentford and Leeds United, his momentum was interrupted by a yellow-card suspension and an illness that kept him out for several matches.
In his last match for Everton, he entered the field as a late substitute in a loss against Southampton.
A section of Everton fans’ reaction was harsh, with both he and teammate Yerry Mina facing harassment.
It was a bitter farewell to the club where he had shown so much promise.
The Height of the Transfer Drama
The transfer drama reached its climax when Sky Sports reported that Gordon had stopped attending training in an attempt to force a move.
It was a clear sign that, despite his loyalty, he needed a fresh start. When Newcastle United came calling, it wasn’t just about the money.
It was about his desire for growth and the chance to play a key role in a new environment.
Adapting to Life at Newcastle | Early Challenges and Settling In
Fast forward to his arrival at Newcastle, and Gordon’s initial period wasn’t without its challenges.
He made headlines for his fiery spirit during a confrontation with Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schär, an interaction that made for an awkward reunion once he joined them at Newcastle.
But as he settled in, Gordon began to show exactly why Everton and Chelsea valued him so highly.
His debut was followed by key performances, including his first goal in a 1–1 draw against Chelsea, a poetic twist given the earlier transfer talks.
Gordon’s Success at Newcastle United
Gordon’s form only improved as the 2023-24 season progressed.
His contributions earned him Newcastle’s Player of the Season award, and he even matched a record set by Alan Shearer, scoring in four consecutive home matches.
Despite missing the 2025 EFL Cup final due to suspension, he had played a crucial role in getting the team there, scoring in both legs of the semi-final against Arsenal.
For the first time in 70 years, Newcastle lifted a major domestic trophy, and Gordon’s name was forever etched into the club’s history.
Conclusion | A Journey of Resilience and Growth
What began as a contentious transfer drama, filled with public bids and negotiations, turned into a personal journey of resilience for Anthony Gordon.
His experiences at Everton, both the highs and the difficult farewells, shaped the player he is today.
The chapter that started with Chelsea’s pursuit ultimately ended with his success at Newcastle, proving that sometimes, the hardest decisions lead to the greatest rewards.
