Nedum Onuoha says he is ‘surprised’ Newcastle United and PIF are about to secure a transfer deal for Everton winger, Anthony Gordon, as he told ESPN.
The former Premier League defender acknowledged that Anthony Gordon has ‘potential’ but he doesn’t think the boyhood Everton fan can help Eddie Howe ‘lock’ in those Champions League places for Newcastle this season.
The Magpies are sitting third in the Premier League table, three points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham, who have played a game extra and eight clear of free-scoring and sixth-placed Brighton, who have played a game less.
Whilst those at St James’ Park have the money to splash the cash, they are reportedly putting £45 million down for the player in woeful form this season.
Gordon only has three Premier League goals to his name and zero assists, as his performances for Everton and his relationship with the fans seem to have taken a turn for the worst.
That’s probably why he is about to head out of Merseyside and sign on the dotted line for Newcastle.
“Of course he is good,” said Onuoha. “But he is someone who has potential.
“I think we have seen over the last few seasons where he has shown glimpses of his attacking threat. His ability to finish and create opportunities. He was once the guy that would get the fans off their seats at Goodison Park.
“Obviously, things over the last few months haven’t been that way. I think the way he is leaving, not arriving to training, it’s not great at all and not very endearing.
“For Newcastle, they see a player that won’t just be there for a year or two years. But someone who can be a long-term project. I am surprised he has gone to Newcastle because they seem to be a side that are in the top four now. I don’t think Anthony Gordon, at this moment in time, makes them a lock for that. But I guess they are playing the long game with him.”
NEWCASTLE TO SIGN GORDON
The English winger doesn’t start for Howe straightaway and he will need a few strong performances under his belt to get anywhere near the XI.
When the Toon Army faithful watch Allan Saint-Maximin come off the bench, then they know their XI is cooking and their bench is starting to bulk up.
Well, if and when Gordon’s deal is signed, sealed and delivered, then he will go from a team that could drop to the Championship after decades to a team that could win a trophy and finish in the Champions League.
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