Anthony Gordon’s name has been on the lips of football fans across the UK, but for those who haven’t been paying attention, where have you been?
To rewind the clock, BoyleSports, who provide the latest football betting odds, has dug deep into the background of Anthony Gordon to provide the full story of his rise.
Born and raised in Liverpool, the young winger made his name at Everton, a product of the club’s renowned academy. With his sharp turn of pace, flair on the ball, and a work ethic that screams “future star,” he quickly caught the attention of football enthusiasts—and scouts.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Gordon’s rise has been marked by grit, determination, and the occasional question mark hanging over his head. Was he ready for the big stage? Could he handle the weight of expectation?
Now, at Newcastle United, Gordon is showing exactly why he’s been tipped for stardom. Since his January 2023 move to the Magpies, he’s gone from a promising youngster to a key figure in Eddie Howe’s plans, thriving in a team brimming with energy, ambition, and a sense that something special is brewing on Tyneside.
Anthony Gordon’s Early Career
Anthony Gordon’s football journey didn’t start with a Hollywood script. In fact, it began with rejection. Both Liverpool and Everton – yes, the clubs he would later play a pivotal role for, cut ties with the young talent early on, citing concerns over his slight frame. For many kids, that might have been the end of the story, but not for Gordon. Determined to prove he belonged on the pitch, he joined Whiston Juniors, where he focused on sharpening his skills and toughening up both mentally and physically.
His persistence paid off in a big way. At just 11 years old, Gordon caught Everton’s eye again, this time earning a second chance with his boyhood club. It was on the local pitches, often playing as a striker, that his athleticism and sharp technique made him impossible to ignore.
By 16, Gordon was making waves. He debuted for Everton’s U18 side in a fiery Merseyside derby against Liverpool – a 2-1 loss but a critical 57 minutes for the young player. Over the rest of that season, Gordon showed his versatility, operating as an attacking midfielder in several games, including one against Newcastle United, his future home.
Then came the breakthrough. The 2017/18 season saw Gordon truly announce himself in Everton’s U18 squad, delivering 14 goals and 4 assists in just 15 games in the U18 Premier League. His performances didn’t just stand out; they demanded attention. This was rewarded with a four-minute cameo for the senior team in a Europa League clash against Apollon Limassol. It was a fleeting appearance but a tantalising glimpse of what was to come.
By 2018/19, Gordon had graduated to the U23 setup, where he featured 14 times, starting in five matches and contributing a goal and an assist. His growing reputation also earned him a call-up to England’s U18 squad, where he made 10 appearances. While the goals and assists didn’t flow as freely as they had at club level, the experience of competing at higher levels added valuable layers to his game.
The Journey to Newcastle
His first significant steps into the senior game came during the 2019/20 season when the then-Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti handed him a Premier League debut. Gordon came off the bench in a 1-1 draw against West Ham, showing flashes of his potential. Over the next few seasons, he grew into a versatile attacker, capable of playing on either wing or as an advanced midfielder. His tenacity and willingness to run at defenders made him a fan favourite, even as Everton faced struggles.
But his breakout campaign arrived in 2021/22. With Everton fighting relegation, Gordon became a bright spark in an otherwise turbulent season. His direct style, relentless work rate, and moments of brilliance cemented his place as one of the Toffees’ most valuable assets. By now, Gordon wasn’t just a young prospect; he was a key player.
Yet, as Everton’s struggles continued into the following season, rumours began to swirl about Gordon’s future. Clubs across the Premier League were taking notice, with his age, ability, and potential making him a tantalising target. Enter Newcastle United.
The Magpies, on a meteoric rise under Eddie Howe and their new ownership, saw Gordon as a perfect fit for their project. Young, dynamic, and brimming with untapped potential, he aligned perfectly with Newcastle’s ethos of building a team capable of challenging at the very top. After protracted negotiations, a deal worth £40 million was struck in January 2023.
For Gordon, the move to Newcastle wasn’t just a transfer; it was a fresh start. The weight of expectation at Everton was replaced with the buzz of opportunity at St James’ Park. And while some questioned the price tag (as they always do), Gordon wasted no time showing he was worth the investment.
The decision to leave his boyhood club couldn’t have been easy, but Gordon’s ambition was clear: he wanted to be part of something bigger, a team on the rise, and Newcastle offered just that. Since debuting on Tyneside, he’s become an integral piece of Eddie Howe’s puzzle, showcasing the pace, creativity, and grit that makes him a nightmare for defenders and a dream for Newcastle fans.
