Liverpool’s quest to find a long-term successor for their talismanic winger Mohamed Salah has taken a thrilling turn, with Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon emerging as a prime target. The 24-year-old English star, hailed as “too much” by legendary manager Jose Mourinho, has long been admired by the Reds, and his deep-rooted connection to Anfield only adds fuel to the speculation. As the defending Premier League champions plan a potential raid on Newcastle in the summer of 2025, Gordon’s versatility, dynamism, and boyhood love for Liverpool make him a compelling candidate to carry the torch for the “Egyptian King.”
Salah’s Legacy and the Need for a Successor
Mohamed Salah, at 33, remains a cornerstone of Liverpool’s attack, as evidenced by his stunning 89th-minute goal against Brentford in a 3-2 loss at the Gtech Community Stadium. Controlling a Dominik Szoboszlai cross with his left foot before rifling the ball home with his right, Salah showcased the brilliance that has defined his tenure at Anfield. However, with only four goals this season and his contract situation uncertain, Liverpool’s recruitment team is proactively planning for the future. The former Chelsea star’s age and the club’s ambition to maintain their attacking prowess have intensified the search for a worthy heir.
Anthony Gordon: The English Gem
Enter Anthony Gordon, the Newcastle winger whose performances have caught the eye of Liverpool’s decision-makers. According to Football Insider, Gordon is “highly rated” by the Reds’ recruitment team, who are impressed by his “penetration” and ability to play across the front line. The 24-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 for £45 million (€51.5m, $60m), has since tallied 26 goals and 24 assists in 116 appearances for the Magpies. His versatility—having played 53 times on the right flank with eight goals and eight assists—makes him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s fluid attacking system under Arne Slot.
Gordon’s recent performances, including a standout display against Benfica in the Champions League, have only heightened his appeal. Post-match, he revealed to BBC Sport that Benfica’s manager, Jose Mourinho, praised him, saying, “You’re too much.” For Gordon, a self-professed admirer of the Portuguese tactician, this was a monumental compliment. “As a kid, he was my favourite manager in the world,” Gordon said. “A compliment from any coach at this level means a lot.” Mourinho’s endorsement underscores Gordon’s growing reputation as a dynamic, game-changing talent.
A Lifelong Liverpool Fan
What makes Gordon an even more intriguing prospect is his deep connection to Liverpool. A boyhood Reds supporter, Gordon has never shied away from expressing his love for the club. In a candid moment on Sky’s A League of Their Own, he revealed, “I have no family members who support Everton. None, not one. All Liverpool, so it was quite strange.” Gordon’s journey began in Liverpool’s academy, only to be released at age 11, after which Everton signed him. Despite his time at Goodison Park, his family remained staunch Liverpool supporters, with Gordon recalling their bittersweet reactions: “If I ever scored, they were like, ‘if you score great, but we still want you to lose.’”
His admiration for Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard further cements his affinity for the club. Speaking on The Overlap in April 2024, Gordon said, “Steven Gerrard was my football hero growing up. Coming from Liverpool, he was like a God in Liverpool, and he was an unbelievable player.” For Gordon, a move to Anfield would be a homecoming, fulfilling a lifelong dream to don the red shirt.
Liverpool’s Long-Term Interest
This is not the first time Liverpool have set their sights on Gordon. TEAMtalk reported on June 4 that the Reds were keen on a 2025 summer move for the winger, with sources indicating that Gordon “would be very keen on the move back to Merseyside, viewing Anfield as a dream destination.” In the summer of 2024, Liverpool held advanced talks with Newcastle to secure his signature, driven partly by the Magpies’ need to comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Although the deal fell through after Newcastle sold Yankuba Minteh to Brighton, Gordon’s new contract, signed in October 2024, reportedly includes a release clause, per The i Paper. This development could pave the way for Liverpool to reignite their pursuit.
A Crowded Field of Targets
While Gordon is a leading candidate, Liverpool’s recruitment team is casting a wide net. TEAMtalk understands that Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise are also high on the club’s radar for 2025. However, Gordon’s Premier League pedigree, versatility, and emotional connection to Liverpool give him a unique edge. His ability to thrive under pressure, as demonstrated by his performances for Newcastle and his glowing praise from Mourinho, aligns with the demands of replacing a figure as monumental as Salah.
The Road Ahead
As Liverpool prepare for a pivotal summer transfer window, Anthony Gordon represents more than just a tactical fit—he embodies the passion and hunger to succeed at Anfield. His journey from a Liverpool academy reject to a Premier League star, combined with his lifelong love for the club, makes him a compelling candidate to succeed Salah. With Mourinho’s seal of approval and a release clause in his contract, the stage is set for Liverpool to make their move. For Reds fans, the prospect of Gordon lighting up Anfield is an exciting one, potentially heralding the dawn of a new era on Merseyside.
Could Anthony Gordon be the chosen one to carry Liverpool’s attacking legacy forward? Only time will tell, but the English gem’s star is undeniably on the rise.