Alan Shearer has expressed his surprise that Newcastle United managed to secure a £70 million fee from Barcelona for Anthony Gordon. The England international is set to join the Catalan giants after they outbid Bayern Munich by £10 million, with the fee to be paid over the course of his five-year contract until 2031.
Shearer's Reaction to the Transfer
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: "I think Newcastle have been scarred by the Alexander Isak situation and can never be put in that situation again. Clearly, Anthony Gordon wants to leave, so Newcastle's thoughts are to get what they can for him and plan ahead."
Shearer added: "Whether they could have got more for him, I don't know. I guess the timing is right now so they can plan. If it's £70 million, they've made a healthy profit on him."
Gordon's Impact at Newcastle
Gordon contributed 17 goals and five assists in 46 games across all competitions this season, notably shining in the Champions League. Overall, he has 39 goals and 28 assists in 152 appearances for Newcastle since his £45 million move from Everton in 2022.
Despite his contributions, Shearer noted: "I know he's scored goals this season, mostly in the Champions League. He got six league goals, three were penalties. But there's no doubt there's talent there, but if that talent is not fully into it, you have to let them go."
Financial Context of the Deal
Newcastle were able to demand £70 million because Gordon is under contract until June 2030. However, Shearer expressed surprise that Barcelona could afford such a fee given their debts of over £2 billion and their haggling with Manchester United over Marcus Rashford's permanent transfer.
Gordon's move casts doubt on Rashford's future in Catalonia, with no agreement reached over turning his loan from Manchester United into a permanent £26 million deal.
Shearer's Final Thoughts
"I think it's a good deal for both parties. The quicker the deal was done, the better so Newcastle could plan and move on. I'm not upset at all that he's leaving. When a player wants to move and has made it clear his heart's not in playing for the club anymore, you do what's best for the football club."
Shearer concluded: "No one's bigger than the club, so it's a good deal for Newcastle and a really good deal for Anthony Gordon. Good luck to him. I've got no issues."
