Everton confirm surprising detail as £40m Gordon explains why he pushed for Newcastle move

Matt Stead
Everton's Anthony Gordon

Anthony Gordon has completed a protracted and controversial move from Everton to Newcastle, with the £40m forward explaining the motivations behind his exit.

Everton and Newcastle confirmed the transfer on Sunday afternoon, thought to be for an initial £40m fee which could rise to £45m with add-ons, on a five-year contract.

Gordon was valued at anywhere upwards of £60m when Newcastle and Chelsea sought to sign the forward last summer but Everton confirmed in an official statement on their website that he forced their hand by ‘having submitted a formal transfer request’.

It was widely reported that Gordon had skipped Everton training on a number of occasions this week to try and push the move through, but this is the first confirmation of a formal transfer request.

On their website, Newcastle quoted manager Eddie Howe as saying: “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.”

Newcastle interest suggests we were wrong about £40m Anthony Gordon, not Chelsea

In part explaining the lengths he went to while trying to leave Goodison Park, Gordon told NUFC TV: “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.”

Everton have identified a number of players to potentially replace the outgoing Gordon, with a move for out-of-contract Tottenham forward Lucas Moura mooted and Che Adams of Southampton another target.

Sean Dyche will have to act quickly to secure players for his survival fight; the 51-year-old has not even been officially confirmed as Frank Lampard’s replacement on Merseyside, with the transfer window closing on Tuesday evening.

Newcastle do not seem likely to add to Gordon as their transfer business for the month. His debut could come against West Ham in the Premier League on February 4, while the 21-year-old is certain to receive a warm welcome back at Goodison for a Premier League game on April 25.