When Premier League champions Manchester City came to St James’ Park last month, the Newcastle fans showcased a huge banner in the Gallowgate end in recognition of their star winger Anthony Gordon, which the player admitted almost left him “crying on the pitch”.
Now there will be a feeling of relief from supporters after one of the club’s ‘untouchables’ seemingly ended any speculation about his future by signing a new long-term deal.
The 23-year-old’s bumper new contract is a show of faith from the club for his fine form last season and a signal of intent to maintain a team around Gordon, striker Alexander Isak and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
“I just think the club’s in a great place,” said Gordon. “Since the takeover it’s just been up and up. Me and the gaffer [Eddie Howe] are a perfect match in terms of style of play. I love it here.
“I’m very happy here, I like living here, the team is very suited to me – and I’m here to win a trophy. The short story is we need to win a trophy.
“Winning a trophy here would be unbelievable because the fans have waited so long. To be part of the team who finally do it is a massive goal of mine.”
Summer exit looked a distinct possibility
Newcastle’s long, barren run without lifting a trophy is well publicised, with them last picking up major domestic silverware almost 70 years ago when they won the 1955 FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Gordon joined Newcastle from Everton for £45m in January 2023 and the team had the opportunity of glory just a month later but were beaten in the Carabao Cup final by Manchester United.
He said he had been “hurt” by the manner of his exit from Goodison Park after the Toffees “failed to thank” him for his services and initially struggled for form in the North East, failing to score in any of his 16 Premier League appearances during the remainder of that season.
Howe’s side, though, made a return to the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish, allowing Gordon to showcase his talent in Europe’s elite club competition.
They may have finished bottom of their group but the season was a success on an individual level for the player, who scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists in 48 games.
Since joining Newcastle from Everton, his goal and assist contributions have increased from 0.27 to 0.44 per game, while the number of chances he has created every 90 minutes has improved from 1.25 to 1.65.
Following the announcement of the new deal, boss Howe said Gordon had “grown as a player and as a person” during his time at Newcastle and he has continued to “prove just how good he is on the biggest stage”.
But despite a stellar showing in his first full season on Tyneside, his future seemed to be in real doubt in the summer as it looked at one stage that Gordon may leave to help the club balance its financial position.
Newcastle’s issues with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) meant they needed to sell before the 30 June deadline to comply. With the cut-off point fast approaching, the club found themselves needing to consider offers for one of Isak, Guimaraes or Gordon.
A boyhood Liverpool supporter – despite coming through at Everton – Gordon’s dream move was on the cards when Newcastle offered the Reds a price of £70m, as well as taking defender Jarell Quansah the other way in a separate deal.
But Liverpool turned down the proposal and Newcastle ended up doing business with Nottingham Forest instead, selling 21-year-old midfielder Elliot Anderson for £35m, and allowing winger Yankuba Minteh, 20, to go to Brighton for £30m.
Though they lost two potential stars of the future, the deals meant they could make up their PSR shortfall and, rather importantly, keep Gordon too.
‘Memories that will stay with me forever’
Gordon reportedly had his “head turned” by the potential move to Liverpool but the new deal will serve to ward off interest from other clubs.
He took a tumble from his bike while with England at Euro 2024, suffering nasty gashes to his face and hands and leaving manager Gareth Southgate unimpressed.
Despite a run to the final, he played just two minutes in the entire tournament but has made three starts under interim boss Lee Carsley and will be aiming to cement his place in the Three Lions starting XI once Thomas Tuchel takes charge.
Newcastle fans showed how much he means to them by unfurling that giant ‘Gordon 10′ banner at St James’ Park before the visit of current Premier League champions Manchester City on 28 September.
Gordon responded in perfect fashion by scoring from the penalty spot to claim a draw for his side.
“I was almost crying on the pitch,” Gordon said in a post-match interview with the club. “I don’t think fans will ever quite know what that stuff will mean because I have got family and a little son watching in the stadium so they are memories that will stay with me forever.”
On having one of his star players sign a new deal, Howe said: “He is dedicated to improving himself and the team, and when you add that to the quality of his performances and his incredibly high work-rate, it is clear to see why he has such a special connection with our supporters.
“There is even more to come from Anthony and I am excited about what is ahead for him and us.”