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This summer, it is Alexander Isak who Liverpool is chasing in the transfer market. But a year ago, it was his teammate, and boyhood Reds fan, Anthony Gordon, who was the subject of big-money interest.
In 2024, Liverpool went as far as verbally agreeing a deal that would have seen Gordon move to Anfield for a fee of around $100 million (£75 million), with Joe Gomez heading to the North East for $60 million (£45 million). It was a swap of sorts, but the transactions would have been separate for PSR purposes.
Newcastle was scrambling to comply with the financial regulations as time ticked by, and Liverpool spotted an opportunity. In the end, though, the deal didn't happen because the Magpies sold Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh instead.
Gordon, however, felt that the deal was going to happen. And as a result, he can understand how Isak feels this time around, with reports suggesting that a bid has now been submitted for the Swede.
"It’s true, that was the case," Gordon has now told the Daily Mail. "I would never lie. It was difficult for me because one, I had the Euros, which was horrendous for me mentally. I was there, I wasn’t playing.
"Then I had the transfer stuff. With PSR, I thought I was going to leave at some point in the window. It didn’t happen. I had to get my head around that to begin with (thinking he was going), and then to get my head around it again (when it didn’t happen) was hard.
"I’m a human being. It’s really difficult. That is why I understand what Alex (Isak) is going through. I feel for him. He will be going through a lot. The club is going through a lot. I hope everyone gets what they want in the end."
Shortly after last summer's transfer window closed, Gordon signed a new contract at Newcastle. He has been tentatively linked with a move again this year, though he appears set to stay.
"I’ve had a full summer off, five or six weeks, with my family and friends," Gordon said. "You can see, I’m really refreshed. I’ve got my appetite back for football. I feel that. I didn’t have that last year."
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Gordon added: "I understand what Alex is going through. What I can say, for me, is that it’s been an absolute pleasure to be out of the transfer speculation for a summer!
"It’s the first time in about three years! It’s been so easy, so mentally refreshing. Keep me out of it! I’m not linked to any clubs, and I’m very happy where I am. I’m enjoying my football again."
Liverpool.com says: Gordon didn't have the best season last year in terms of goals and he missed the Carabao Cup final through suspension. He says he is ready to kick on, though, and in a World Cup year, there is no better time.
Liverpool has Cody Gakpo to play down the left for Arne Slot and Rio Ngumoha coming through. In any case, you suspect Newcastle would not welcome potentially losing Gordon as well as Isak.
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