Eddie Howe has finally been able to add a winger to his squad, with Newcastle signing Anthony Gordon during the January transfer window.
The Toon boss wanted a wide forward during the summer transfer window, with plenty of targets coming and going. There were rumours involving Moussa Diaby and Jack Harrison, but neither arrived at St James’ Park.
Luckily, Newcastle’s inability to sign a winger was less of a concern thanks to Miguel Almiron’s form. The Paraguayan has been enjoying a sensational season on the right of attack, and is the club’s top scorer with nine goals.
But Chris Wood’s departure in January opened the door for Newcastle to sign another attacker, and Howe decided go with a wide player rather than a direct replacement for the New Zealander.
Gordon has arrived from Everton for £45million, and received a hero’s welcome when he was introduced to the St James’ Park crowd on Tuesday night.
There is a lot of excitement surrounding Gordon’s arrival, and now the Athletic’s George Caulkin has provided some insight on how the manager feels about the deal.
Eddie Howe ‘sees a lot of potential’ in Anthony Gordon
On the latest episode of The Athletic’s Newcastle podcast ‘Pod On The Tyne’, Caulkin spoke about the club signing Gordon.
“They’ve paid £40million up front and that is effectively how they’ve got their discount on the price,” Caulkin said.
“The good thing is it is very much what Eddie Howe wants. He sees a lot of potential in him.”
Howe can help Gordon realise his potential on Tyneside
The £45million price tag makes Gordon Newcastle’s second most expensive signing ever, behind summer recruit Alexander Isak.
On the face of it, it looks like the Magpies have massively overspent. However, that is always the case when you are buying young English players.
And the main reason for the serious investment is potential. That is what you are paying for. £45million is a lot now, but it won’t be over time if he is still shining in a black and white shirt 10 years in the future.
That is what Newcastle and Howe will hope for. The Toon boss believes that Gordon has a huge amount of potential, and will hope he realises it at St James’ Park.
It will be up to Howe to mould the youngster, and the 45-year-old has a proven track record of improving players.
Hopefully he can do the same with Gordon, and help him become a star in the coming years.
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