The standards at Newcastle United when it comes to selling players are so low that cashing in on Anthony Gordon can actually be framed as a positive.
Sadly, that says a lot about Newcastle United’s struggles with player sales under PIF ownership because the club does not have a history of smart, well-timed exits.
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Far from it. Most of their biggest departures have come with a sense of urgency, pressure or regret attached.
Newcastle rarely sell from a position of strength
Elliot Anderson’s move to Nottingham Forest for around £35million was driven by the club’s need for PSR relief. Indeed, it would be fair to say that one still hurts.
The midfielder was a local lad with real potential, the sort supporters wanted to see flourish at St James’ Park.
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Yankuba Minteh was another sale made to balance the books. Newcastle turned a profit without ever giving him a chance to play a competitive match.
And while Alexander Isak’s switch to Liverpool brought in a huge fee, it hardly felt like a deal Newcastle controlled. Losing a striker of his stature leaves a mark, no matter the ill-feeling towards him.
That all makes Gordon’s situation feel different.
Selling Gordon early gives Newcastle breathing room
After a whirlwind few days, Barcelona have now signed Gordon for around £70million, so Newcastle cannot be accused of letting him go cheaply.
More importantly, the deal is happening early. That gives the club valuable time, something they have rarely had in recent windows.
Time to find the right replacement. Time to act before selling clubs sense desperation.
Clearly, it is not a masterstroke. Rather, it is basic squad planning.
Newcastle have struggled so much in this area that even simple competence now feels like progress.
Newcastle need to make this control count
It says a lot about Newcastle’s current state that selling a key player can be seen as a positive.
That should not be the case. It should probably embarrass the club.
While not to pretend Gordon was always brilliant, it’s hard to imagine many other clubs with the ambitions that Newcastle at least say they have taking so many positives from a player of his standing leaving.
But if Gordon’s exit gives Newcastle money, time and a chance to plan properly, it could be a rare bit of good news.
Not because losing him is ideal. Because, for once, Newcastle might be acting before the panic sets in.
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