Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 16 April 2026 10:47, UK

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Anthony Gordon is edging towards the exit door at Newcastle United this summer amid strong interest throughout the Premier League.

Arsenal and Liverpool are among the clubs reportedly tracking the 25-year-old, who has scored 17 goals across all competitions this season.

Newcastle are set to miss out on European football, further reducing their chances of keeping hold of Gordon this summer.

But a change in the dugout may well change the outlook at St James’ Park, with Eddie Howe under significant pressure.

The Newcastle manager retains the support of the board for now, but a hugely disappointing season has intensified the questions surrounding his future.

Anthony Gordon and Jose Mourinho exchanged words

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider earlier this month that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Gordon ahead of an expected move in the summer.

The winger arrived from Everton in a deal worth around £45million in 2023, and has enjoyed varying levels since.

Gordon’s first season saw him score 11 goals and provide 10 assists in the Premier League alone, but he has struggled to match that output since.

This season has seen the 25-year-old net just six goals and provide two assists in the league, with most of his contributions coming in the Champions League.

Gordon has lost the presence of Alexander Isak up front, with the pair having combined superbly over the last two seasons, and there are undoubtedly other factors at play.

But it may well be that the forward could do with a new manager to get the best out of him once more.

Jose Mourinho is among the bookies’ favourites to take the Newcastle job if Howe does indeed leave, and the Portuguese legend exchanged words with Gordon back in October.

“He said ‘You’re too much’, which is a big compliment for me because as a kid he was my favourite manager in the world growing up,” the winger said after he had scored to help the Magpies beat Benfica 3-0.

“It’s quite weird because he was quite a defensive manager but I just love the way… even then, the bench was getting up. He really creates a team environment, it’s like us against the world.

“I recognise that from my own game so it was a big compliment. It means an awful lot. Even if I didn’t idolise him, a compliment from any coach at this level means a lot.”

Wingers thrive under Mourinho

There is a fairly obvious example when it comes to wingers that thrived under the management of Mourinho.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 168 goals in 164 appearances under the Portuguese boss, but is, obviously, a special case.

Eden Hazard, Son Heung-min, Marcus Rashford and Angel Di Maria have also performed well under the 63-year-old, who, despite his defensive reputation, does give his attackers freedom.

Gordon could be the prime candidate for Mourinho’s next attack, although where Newcastle are willing to take such a risk remains to be seen.