Newcastle United are preparing a blockbuster summer move that could see fan favourite Anthony Gordon depart St James' Park in a sensational swap deal for Benfica's highly-rated midfielder João Neves.
According to exclusive reports from Portugal, the Magpies are willing to offer the England international plus a significant cash sum to secure the services of the 19-year-old Portuguese prodigy, who has been turning heads across Europe with his impressive performances.
Gordon's Meteoric Rise Faces Unexpected Twist
Anthony Gordon's outstanding season, which saw him crowned Newcastle's Player of the Year and earn an England call-up, makes this potential departure particularly surprising. The 23-year-old winger has become a key figure in Eddie Howe's side, making his potential inclusion in a swap deal all the more shocking to the Toon Army.
Gordon's 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this campaign have established him as one of the Premier League's most dangerous attacking threats, making Benfica's interest understandable despite the player's importance to the Newcastle project.
The João Neves Factor
João Neves has emerged as one of European football's most sought-after young talents, with his £100m+ release clause presenting a significant obstacle for interested clubs. The swap deal approach represents Newcastle's creative attempt to circumvent this financial barrier while addressing Financial Fair Play concerns.
The teenage midfielder has already made 60 first-team appearances for Benfica and earned four caps for the Portuguese national team, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years in the heart of midfield.
Financial Pressures Force Creative Solutions
Newcastle's need to comply with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules is driving this unconventional approach to the transfer market. While the club's Saudi-backed owners possess substantial wealth, current regulations have necessitated more inventive squad-building strategies.
The potential deal would see Newcastle significantly reduce their financial outlay for Neves while Benfica acquire a ready-made replacement for any departing attacking talent, creating what could be a rare win-win situation in the high-stakes transfer market.
What This Means for Newcastle's Summer
Should this audacious move materialise, it would represent one of the most dramatic transfers of the summer window. Losing Gordon would undoubtedly disappoint many Newcastle supporters, but acquiring a talent of Neves' calibre could strengthen Eddie Howe's options in a key area of the pitch.
The proposed deal underscores Newcastle's ambition to compete at the highest level while navigating the complex financial landscape of modern football, setting the stage for a fascinating summer of transfer activity at St James' Park.
