Liverpool’s Missed Opportunity: £75M Deal for Anthony Gordon

Liverpool’s summer transfer window has been a tale of what might have been, marked by near-misses and unfulfilled expectations. One of the most intriguing sagas of the window was the club’s pursuit of Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, a player who grew up supporting the red side of Merseyside. According to a recent report from The Athletic, Liverpool had agreed to pay £75 million for Gordon, but the deal fell through at the last minute.has added another layer of complexity to Liverpool’s transfer dealings this summer.

The Pursuit of Anthony Gordon

Liverpool’s interest in Anthony Gordon was not just a fleeting fancy. The 23-year-old winger, who had a breakout season with Newcastle United, was seen as a key target to bolster the attacking options at Anfield. The Reds’ pursuit of Gordon was part of a broader strategy to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, as well as to ensure the squad’s competitiveness under new manager Arne Slot.

The deal, as reported, was meticulously planned. As part of the negotiations, Liverpool defender Joe Gomez was set to move to Newcastle for £45 million. This would have paved the way for Gordon’s arrival at Anfield. However, in a twist of fate, Newcastle opted to offload Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh instead, securing the necessary funds without needing to part ways with Gordon. This decision ultimately scuppered Liverpool’s hopes of landing the young winger.

The Impact on Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy

The collapse of the Gordon deal had significant ramifications for Liverpool’s transfer strategy. Had Gordon made the switch to Anfield, it would have set off a chain reaction of further moves. According to the NY Times, Liverpool would have only pursued a move for Juventus’ Federico Chiesa if another attacker had left the club, with Luis Diaz being a potential candidate. However, with no offers coming in for Diaz, and the Gordon deal off the table, Liverpool’s plans were left in disarray.

Moreover, the failed transfer also influenced Liverpool’s pursuit of a new No. 6 midfielder. With Arne Slot’s tactical preferences requiring a different type of midfielder, the club had to reassess their options. The missed opportunity with Gordon meant that Liverpool had to scramble to adjust their transfer priorities, ultimately leaving some areas of the squad without the reinforcements many fans had hoped for.

Summer of Near Misses

The Anthony Gordon saga was just one of several near misses for Liverpool during this transfer window. Earlier in the summer, Liverpool had shown interest in Porto’s Alan Varela and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, both of whom would have significantly bolstered the squad. However, these deals, like the Gordon transfer, failed to materialize, leaving the club short of the reinforcements they desperately needed.

Paul Mitchell, Liverpool’s football director, also chased the signature of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi for much of the summer. Yet, this pursuit ended in disappointment as well. Guehi remained at Crystal Palace, and Liverpool’s defensive options remained unchanged.

The window was further complicated by Newcastle’s interest in Joe Gomez and Crystal Palace’s desire to sign him as well. With both deals stalling, Liverpool were left in a state of limbo, unable to make the decisive moves that would have strengthened their squad.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As the dust settles on Liverpool’s summer transfer window, it’s hard not to feel a sense of disappointment. The failed pursuit of Anthony Gordon, a player with both talent and a deep connection to the club, is emblematic of a window filled with frustration. For many Liverpool fans, the collapse of this deal will feel like a missed opportunity to inject fresh energy and creativity into the squad.

One can’t help but wonder what might have been if Gordon had donned the famous red shirt. His arrival could have provided much-needed depth to the attacking line, offering competition and cover for the likes of Salah, Diaz, and Jota. The knock-on effects of this deal, including the potential signing of Federico Chiesa, might have reshaped Liverpool’s forward line for years to come.

Moreover, the failure to secure a new No. 6 midfielder or reinforce the defence, despite the interest in players like Zubimendi and Guehi, leaves the squad vulnerable. Arne Slot’s tactical vision requires a squad capable of adapting and evolving, yet the summer’s transfer activities suggest that Liverpool may struggle to meet these demands.

In conclusion, the summer transfer window has left Liverpool with more questions than answers. The pursuit of Anthony Gordon, and the subsequent collapse of the deal, is just one example of how close the club came to making significant strides forward. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if these missed opportunities come back to haunt the team.