Paul Joyce: Liverpool made ‘strong contact’ to sign €80m forward | OneFootball

Liverpool Made Strong Contact With Anthony Gordon Before Barcelona Move

Liverpool made firm enquiries over Anthony Gordon before the winger’s expected switch to Barcelona, with Paul Joyce reporting that the Anfield club explored whether a late move could be possible.

Gordon has long been admired by Liverpool, and that interest dates back to the summer of 2024, when a deal with Newcastle United was seriously discussed. At that stage, reports suggested a medical had been arranged, with Joe Gomez potentially moving in the opposite direction. Newcastle’s need to address PSR concerns was eventually resolved elsewhere, leaving Gordon at St James’ Park.

Now, two years later, Liverpool appear to have revisited the situation. Yet Barcelona’s move has advanced quickly, and Gordon’s preference has become clear.

Liverpool Interest in Anthony Gordon Revisited

Liverpool’s admiration for Anthony Gordon has never been a secret. The England international fits many of the qualities the club have historically valued in attacking players, intensity, direct running, pressing capacity and Premier League experience.

The timing also makes sense. Arne Slot’s squad requires attacking reinforcements after Mohamed Salah’s departure, while Hugo Ekitike’s injury has added further urgency to Liverpool’s recruitment plans.

Paul Joyce of The Times reported: “The Anfield hierarchy is choosing to give priority to addressing gaps in Liverpool’s squad created by the departure of Salah and also Hugo Ekitike’s injury. That would suggest they are seeking at least two attacking signings.”

That points to a clear transfer strategy. Liverpool are not simply monitoring the market passively, they are assessing available options with intent.

Paul Joyce Provides Key Transfer Update

Joyce’s update also confirmed that Liverpool’s interest in Gordon went beyond admiration from afar.

He added:

“Yan Diomande is high on Liverpool’s wanted list, while the club also made strong contact with Anthony Gordon’s camp only to discover that he preferred a move to Barcelona.”

That line is significant. It suggests Liverpool made contact with Gordon’s representatives to understand whether the player could be tempted by a return to Merseyside, where he began his youth career before joining Everton.

The answer, according to the report, was clear. Gordon’s focus was on Barcelona.

Photo: IMAGO

Barcelona Move Leaves Liverpool Looking Elsewhere

Barcelona are understood to have agreed a package worth around €80m plus add ons for Anthony Gordon. The speed of the deal has surprised some observers, given the Catalan club’s recent reputation for prolonged negotiations.

For Newcastle, the fee represents a major sale. For Barcelona, it brings in a player who enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 season, finishing as Newcastle’s leading scorer with 17 goals in all competitions.

His Champions League form was even more eye catching. Gordon scored 10 goals in 12 appearances in the competition, surpassing Alan Shearer’s previous Newcastle record in Europe’s elite tournament.

Attack Remains Priority for Liverpool

Liverpool must now continue their search for attacking additions. Yan Diomande remains high on the club’s wanted list, while further targets are expected to be assessed as Slot reshapes his forward line.

Gordon would have offered Premier League pedigree and a profile suited to Liverpool’s high energy approach. However, with Barcelona now in pole position and the player favouring Catalonia, Anfield attention is likely to shift quickly.

Liverpool’s need is obvious. Their interest in Anthony Gordon was real. Yet this looks like a transfer that moved decisively in Barcelona’s direction before Liverpool could turn contact into serious negotiations.