Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Everton in a deal worth around £45million.
The 21-year-old has signed a long-term contract at St James' Park and becomes the Magpies' first signing of the January window. However, it takes the Magpies' spending to almost £250m since the Saudi-based firm took over from Mike Ashley in October 2021, with Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak the two previous biggest arrivals.
Gordon has now become the Magpies' second most expensive signing after failing to turn up to three Everton training sessions this week in an attempt to force a transfer. Gordon was spotted at the Metro Centre shopping centre in Newcastle on Saturday and took some photos with fans before his move was confirmed on Sunday afternoon.
Gordon said: “Since I heard of the interest, I was always convinced Newcastle were for me. I think the fan base and the city really suits me as a person, the way the team are playing under the gaffer at the minute really suits me, and the club just look like they're heading in the right direction.
"I feel like it's a really big step. People haven't seen what I'm capable of yet. I think under the gaffer, and the way the club's going, I can really excel here." Head coach Eddie Howe added: “I’m delighted to sign Anthony - he’s a top, top talent. I’m really excited to work with him, to develop him, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do in a Newcastle shirt.”
Gordon joined Everton as an 11-year-old after being released by Liverpool, and he progressed through the ranks at the Toffees before making his first-team debut in a Europa League clash against Apollon Limassol in December 2017. But the England Under 21 international had to wait over two years to make his Premier League bow.
He came on as a second-half substitute for Bernard in a 1-1 draw with West Ham in January 2020. Gordon went on to make 11 further league appearances in the 2019/20 season, before being sent out on loan to Preston. But the winger struggled for form and fitness at the Lilywhites and returned to Everton at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
That experience, however, seemed to put Gordon firmly in the senior picture at Everton and he went on to become a first-team regular in the 2021/22 season. He played 40 games in all competitions for the Toffees, scoring four goals and providing three assists as Frank Lampard's side escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth.
Newcastle were interested in a move for Gordon in the summer, but they decided to pursue Isak instead as he joined from Real Sociedad for around £67m. Gordon, who has scored three goals in 16 appearances this term, has finally got his move as the Magpies heightened their pursuit after Chris Wood left to join Nottingham Forest.
