Newcastle United have struggled to maintain the high standards they have set for themselves since the takeover this season.
The Magpies are a far cry from their Champions League-qualifying campaign of 12 months ago, currently sitting 13th in the Premier League table with only 13 wins and 16 defeats from their 36 games so far.
The club spent last summer’s transfer window in the spotlight due to the ongoing situation surrounding Alexander Isak and their efforts to replace him after he joined Liverpool for an eye-watering £125m on Deadline Day.
Despite welcoming new additions like Nick Woltemade, Malick Thiaw, Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga, the North East giants have struggled to adapt to life after Isak.
Eddie Howe has faced scrutiny throughout the campaign and his future has been a hot topic of conversation among supporters, though it is reported that the manager is expected to remain on Tyneside next season.
In terms of summer recruitment, Newcastle now have an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and avoid repeating them when it comes to both incomings and outgoings over the next few months.
Anthony Gordon has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich this summer, and his omission from the squad in recent weeks has coincided with the growing noise surrounding the winger.
According to talkSPORT, Gordon has now agreed personal terms with Bayern, though there remains a significant gap in valuation between Newcastle and the Bundesliga champions.
The broadcaster claims that the Magpies want £75m to part ways with their forward this summer and expect that valuation to be met, with clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool also interested.
It is noted that while Liverpool are not expected to make a move for Gordon this summer, Arsenal remain in the frame and there is a feeling Newcastle can hold out for further interest if they fail to agree a fee with Bayern.
Should Newcastle sell Anthony Gordon?
There is no doubt that Gordon has been one of the club’s most consistent and productive forwards this season, scoring 17 goals and registering five assists across 46 appearances in all competitions.
However, nine of those goals have come from penalties, while only three of his Premier League goals have been scored from open play, which puts into perspective just how poor Newcastle’s attacking threat has been this season.
Gordon possesses outstanding attributes as a winger and offers crucial versatility across the front three, but if Newcastle can convince a club to pay £75m for him this summer, they could reinvest that money wisely.
Indeed, Gordon would be difficult to replace, but the financial boost from selling the England international could allow the Geordies to explore elite options in the market and carry out some much-needed repairs to their dismantled attacking threat.
With all things considered, Newcastle cannot afford another summer dominated by uncertainty and reactive decision-making.
If Gordon’s future truly lies away from St James’ Park, the club must act quickly, secure maximum value for one of their most marketable assets and reinvest with a clear long-term vision in mind.
Losing the England international would undoubtedly leave a huge void, but turning a £75m sale into the catalyst for rebuilding a more balanced, dangerous and competitive squad could ultimately be the smartest move Newcastle make all summer.
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