Newcastle are in talks to sign the former Barcelona defender who the Magpies want to leave
When Anthony Gordon made his Barcelona debut, Newcastle United shifted their focus to signing the attacking star.
Newcastle are targeting the £52m winger
It has been a nightmare 12 months for MaMpeshe. They went from ending their Champions League qualification drought to losing Alexander Isak, missing out on European football altogether, and finishing below their rivals Sunderland.
Gordon has compounded their grief ever since, too. He is in Barcelona to complete a £69m move – marking the second big exit from St James’ Park in the last two summers.
Newcastle legend, Alan Shearer, spoke about the player’s departure, saying: “I think Newcastle have scars [Alexander] It is a situation and will not be placed in that situation again.
“I mean, obviously, Anthony Gordon wants to go like that, I think Newcastle’s thinking is, if that’s the case, we get what we can get him, then we start and plan, and we can’t be put in that same situation again.
“I think there’s a part of it… you never want to be bitten twice, like they did last summer. Whether they could have gotten him more, I don’t know. I think the time is now for them to plan.”
Shearer is aware of the timing and those on Tyneside have shifted their focus to the replacement.
According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are now in talks to sign Abde Ezzalzouli from Real Betis. The talented winger has a €60m (£52m) release clause and is keen on a move to the Premier League ahead of next season.
A former Barcelona youth player, Ezzalzouli has stolen many headlines since leaving the Catalan giants – scoring 28 goals this season.
Ezzalzouli could replace Gordon at Newcastle
On paper, the numbers suggest that Newcastle are likely to upgrade Gordon to Ezzalzouli. The Real Betis man has enjoyed an excellent campaign and looks set to take the Premier League by storm after 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.
|
League statistics 25/26 |
Gordon |
Ezzalzouli |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
1,814 |
2,255 |
|
Goals |
6 |
10 |
|
It helps |
2 |
8 |
|
XG |
8.79 |
9.34 |
|
Successful dribbles |
33 |
39 |
The 24-year-old was more direct, clinical and more creative than Gordon. If Newcastle can take him, then the latest loss could look like a blessing in disguise this summer.
There will be a degree of irony if the La Masia talent not only fills Gordon’s place, but is his immediate development at St James’ Park.
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