Newcastle United are facing a summer of significant upheaval after new reports from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg that Anthony Gordon is the subject of intensifying interest from several top-tier European clubs, including Bayern Munich.
The 25-year-old winger, who has been among Newcastle’s more reliable performers during a difficult campaign, may move on this summer with the Magpies likely to miss out on European football next season.
For a fanbase already reeling from the departure of Alexander Isak last year, the prospect of losing Gordon would represent a sizeable blow to the club’s attacking identity.
Anthony Gordon to Bayern Munich
The timing could not be worse for manager Eddie Howe, whose own future remains a subject of intense debate on the terraces.
While Howe retains the backing of his higher-ups, the club’s inability to find consistency this term has led to dissent amongst supporters.
Compounding the uncertainty is the growing likelihood of a wider exodus. Rumours persist that Tino Livramento is being courted by Manchester City, while Sandro Tonali is also being linked with a move away from St. James' Park.
Underpinning all of these potential departures is the club’s need to improve its Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) position.
Having spent heavily last summer and without the sustained windfall of Champions League revenue, Newcastle may look to generate profit through player sales.
Selling Gordon, who joined for £45 million but is now valued closer to £85m, would provide the vital financial breathing room the club needs to rebuild a squad that has looked increasingly misshapen as the campaign has progressed.
Gordon excelled in the Champions League this season, netting 10 times before Newcastle's elimination in the Round of 16 by Barcelona. Only Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane have scored more than the ex-Everton winger in this season's competition to date.
Bayern missed out on Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade last summer, however, the German has endured a difficult second half of the campaign and has seemingly lost his place in attack.
The Champions League favourites welcome Real Madrid to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night with a 2-1 quarter-final first leg lead over the Spanish giants.
According to Sky Germany, Gordon has been made aware of Bayern's interest in his services.
"The 25 y/o is currently the preferred candidate for the left wing as a back-up and competitor for Luis Díaz. Gordon has been informed. Concrete talks have already taken place, though the clubs are not yet in contact," the report states.
