Explained: Why Liverpool Did Not Sign Anthony Gordon Before His Barcelona Move

Anthony Gordon completed a shock 80 million euro transfer to Barcelona at the start of this summer's transfer window. At the time, Gordon was still widely considered one of Liverpool's top targets, yet the Reds didn't compete with the Spanish giants for his signature. Now we know why.

James Pearce, for The Athletic, has confirmed that Liverpool considered the merits of Newcastle's Anthony Gordon this summer. 

The Reds' interest goes back to the summer of 2024, when they were on the brink of signing Gordon for a fee of around 75 million pounds, with Joe Gomez going the other way in a suggested 45 million-pound transfer to Newcastle. However, Newcastle pulled the plug on the deal, and the player later signed a contract extension in October of that year.

This summer, Pearce reports that Liverpool were made aware that Newcastle wanted to sell Gordon abroad rather than to a domestic rival, and that the player himself also fancied a move overseas. Therefore, Liverpool didn't see continuing their pursuit of Gordon as realistic.

Ultimately, Gordon settled his future with a blockbuster move to Barcelona early in the transfer window before going on to have a solid World Cup with England.

The question is, did Liverpool miss out after their long pursuit of Anthony Gordon ended with him opting to move abroad?

Gordon has lots of qualities, qualities that would have been particularly useful under the new head coach, Andoni Iraola (Gordon's Barcelona transfer was finalised in the days after Arne Slot's dismissal, but before the new boss's appointment).

His tenacity, directness, and willingness to press would have all been useful as Liverpool transition towards Iraola's style of play. However, doubts over his output always remained, and the player that Liverpool have signed for the left-wing position leaves absolutely no doubt in the minds of supporters.

Bradley Barcola brings directness, work rate, and world-class output to Liverpool's left flank.

Following early deliberations over Gordon and failed negotiations for Yan Diomandé, Bradley Barcola became the name on the tongues of every Liverpool fan across the globe.

This week, the transfer was finally completed.

In the last two seasons, Barcola has a combined total of 62 goals and assists, which is one of the highest returns in Europe. 

It is not likely that any Liverpool fan will be wishing that Anthony Gordon, with all due respect, was signed instead of the Frenchman, not with the world-class levels he has shown that he can operate at.

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