Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has claimed the club never saw the best of Anthony Gordon during the forward's time at St James' Park, but explained why he accepts the reality that led to his departure. Gordon left the Magpies near the start of the summer transfer window to complete a permanent transfer to Barcelona.
Gordon joined the La Liga giants in a deal worth up to €90million (£76.3million) with add-ons and has enjoyed an impressive start to his career in Spain. The move ended his three-and-a-half-year spell at Newcastle, during which he scored 39 goals in 152 appearances.
Impressive start in Spain and for England
The 25-year-old has yet to score his first goal for Barcelona, but has five assists to his name in La Liga. He has also impressed with England during the international break, getting a goal and an assist in the Three Lions' 7-0 win over Croatia on Saturday night, and has been on the scoresheet in each of England's three Nations League matches.
Shearer, who has clashed with Gordon in the past, accused the winger of only showing a fraction of his quality during his time at Newcastle, but insists he does not have a problem with it.
Shearer's verdict on Gordon's exit
“We only saw a glimpse at Newcastle of how good Anthony Gordon could turn out to be. I also probably looked at him and thought that he wanted to leave,” Shearer told Betfair. “I think we could tell that, but he looks as if he's got loads of energy. He's got an appetite for where he is. Obviously, the surroundings, he's happy about going to Barcelona. He's happy with the move.
“I think you can tell that in his performances, whereas we probably didn't see that enough last season at Newcastle. That is fine, I get you're always entitled to go and do what you want to do in your career, and he now looks as if he's in a happy place, both with England and with Barcelona.”
Newcastle's rebuild after Gordon's departure
Newcastle moved to bring in Bazoumana Toure and Matias Fernandez-Pardo following Gordon's departure as they looked to rebuild their forward options. Fernandez-Pardo is yet to score his first goal for Newcastle since his summer move from Lille, while Toure has two goals to his name across his first four appearances of the campaign.
Matthias Jaissle's side will return to Premier League action after the extended international break on Monday, October 12, when they take on Coventry City away from home.
