Liverpool have identified Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon as a priority target to replace Mohamed Salah, who confirmed his departure following nine seasons at Anfield. According to reports from TeamTalk and Goal, the 25-year-old is part of a three-man shortlist that also includes RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain. Newcastle have set a valuation of at least £75m for the England international, a figure driven by a 15% sell-on clause owed to his former club, Everton. While Liverpool are advancing their plans, the pursuit faces significant competition; CaughtOffside reports that Bayern Munich have already reached a broad agreement on personal terms with the player, though a fee has not been settled with the Tyneside club.
The post-Salah tactical transition at Liverpool
Replacing Salah necessitates the recruitment of high-volume output to account for his 377 goal involvements in a Liverpool shirt. Arne Slot has prioritised high-intensity wingers to sustain a pressing system that defined the final years of the previous era and his own debut campaign. Speaking on the need for reinforcements, Slot noted that "everyone is talking about wingers because Mo is leaving," adding that it "makes complete sense to think about at least one." Gordon fits the physical profile required, but the financial dynamics are complex. Newcastle’s £75m floor reflects the market inflation seen in previous dealings between the two clubs, most notably the £130m record fee Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak in 2025. With Salah’s 257 goals exiting the squad, the pressure is on the recruitment department to find immediate productivity rather than a developmental project.
Newcastle's stance and Gordon's uncertain status
Speculation regarding Gordon’s future intensified after he was left on the bench for Newcastle's season finale against Brentford. Manager Eddie Howe admitted to uncertainty surrounding the winger, stating he is unsure of what follows given the unpredictability of the market. Despite the external noise, Gordon told Goal that he remains focused on the team, dismissing transfer talk as "a load of rubbish." However, Newcastle's financial position and the need to manage squad turnover may necessitate a high-profile sale. Unlike Diomande or Barcola, Gordon offers proven Premier League efficiency, though his arrival would present a unique narrative as a former Everton academy graduate heading to the red side of the city. The deal appears to hinge on whether Liverpool are prepared to match Newcastle's firm valuation or if Bayern Munich can bridge the gap in their existing negotiations.