Anthony Gordon, Newcastle United’s dynamic winger, has put an end to transfer speculation by signing a new long-term contract with the club.
This move allows the 23-year-old England international to refocus on his performance and development at St. James’ Park, putting distractions from the summer behind him.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe believes that the new deal will help Gordon get back to his best form as the Magpies push for a stronger position in the Premier League standings.
Anthony Gordon’s contract renewal at Newcastle United couldn’t have come at a better time. After a season where he registered an impressive 12 goals and 11 assists, the winger has started this campaign slower, with only two goals so far.
Despite his dip in form, the club sees him as a crucial player for their future, and securing his long-term services shows their commitment to his development.
For Anthony Gordon, the extension represents more than just financial security; it’s a way to cut out the “needless noise” surrounding his future.
Over the summer, Gordon was linked with a move to Liverpool, which contributed to a whirlwind of rumors during a critical time for pre-season preparations.
However, with his new contract signed, Gordon can now focus on his game and push past the distractions.
As Howe stated, “(The new contract) cuts out a lot of needless noise around his future. I think now that he can really focus on this season and performing at his very best level.” For both the player and the club, this deal symbolizes stability and the chance to move forward without distractions.
✍️ We are delighted to announce that Anthony Gordon has signed a new long-term contract at St. James’ Park!
Congratulations, @anthonygordon! pic.twitter.com/qSH8DcVwF8
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 22, 2024
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How a Tough Summer Impacted Anthony Gordon’s Form
Eddie Howe acknowledged that Anthony Gordon faced significant challenges during the summer. In addition to the transfer rumors, Gordon had limited playing time with the England squad during the Euros, which hampered his ability to maintain peak physical condition.
The lack of game time during international duty meant that when he returned to Newcastle, he wasn’t in the best shape to make an immediate impact.
“Through no fault of their own, they’re reading headlines on their futures, which can be destabilising, which can lead to a lot of needless energy wasted and a lot of distraction,” Howe commented, emphasizing the toll that constant speculation can take on a player’s focus and performance.
Despite the slow start to the season, Howe remains confident in Gordon’s ability. He has already shown flashes of brilliance, such as his performance against Manchester City, where he netted the equalizer in a hard-fought match. “I thought he was outstanding,” Howe said of Gordon’s display in that game.
However, Howe also pointed out that Gordon’s limited minutes with the national team affected his fitness upon his return to Newcastle. “He plays 60 minutes in two weeks. The training is very different there. Through no fault of England’s, he then comes back to us slightly below his best physical levels again,” Howe explained.
Eddie Howe’s Confidence in Anthony Gordon’s Future
Despite these setbacks, Howe remains optimistic about Anthony Gordon’s ability to bounce back and perform at his best. The winger has been putting in the hard work in training, which Howe believes will pay off as the season progresses. “I have to say his attitude to his work this week has been very good. He’s done a lot of hard work with a couple of the other players,” Howe noted.
Newcastle’s head coach is fully aware of how even the smallest drop in physical form can impact a player’s performance at the highest level. “The physical side of the game, if you’re just 1 per cent or 2 per cent below your best levels at this level, it shows,” he added.
For Anthony Gordon, the focus now is on getting back to his peak physical condition and rediscovering the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents last season.
Anthony Gordon’s long-term deal with Newcastle United sends a clear message: the club is building for the future, and Gordon is a key part of that vision. Newcastle has shown steady progress under Eddie Howe, and securing a player of Gordon’s talent is a crucial step in their ambitions to consistently compete at the top of the Premier League.
The renewal also helps Newcastle fend off interest from rival clubs like Liverpool, who were reportedly keen on bringing Anthony Gordon to Anfield. With the transfer rumors silenced, Anthony Gordon can now concentrate fully on helping Newcastle climb the league table and perform on the European stage.
For Newcastle, the goal now is to push higher in the standings and secure European football for next season. Gordon’s development and return to form will be vital to achieving those ambitions.
