“I was desperate to go at the time” - Anthony Gordon shares details of failed Chelsea transfer after being ‘quite close’ to move
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon recently revealed he was close to joining Chelsea from Everton in 2022. He was desperate to move to Stamford Bridge at the time, but a deal did not materialize.
Gordon looked back at the time former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had a chat with him after Everton's league game against the Blues in January 2022. He felt he would have flourished under the German tactician and was thus looking forward to playing under him for England. He told The Telegraph:
“I spoke to him after the game, when I played for Everton and we played Chelsea. I spoke to him after the game when I shook his hand. That was about it. He said some really complimentary things to me, which I’ll keep to myself. But, yeah, I spoke to him and I felt a lot of warmth from him, which then made me really want to play for him. I didn’t get that chance.
“It was quite close to be honest. I was desperate to go at the time and work with him, especially. I felt like my style would suit his style of play, the way he was playing at Chelsea which was very exciting for me. It was a big opportunity for me that didn’t end up happening and I’m looking forward to getting to work with him a couple of years later.”
Thomas Tuchel was sacked as the Chelsea manager shortly after the 2022/23 season began.
Anthony Gordon not aware of in-depth Chelsea plans
Anthony Gordon further opened up on his failed Chelsea move. He admitted to not having an in-depth idea about Thomas Tuchel's plans at the club as he just wanted to play for the English giants.
When quizzed if he was set to play as a wing-back at Chelsea, the Englishman added:
“I wasn’t aware of it. I never really spoke to him in depth about those sorts of things. I don’t really care where I play. As long as I’m on the pitch I feel like I can perform. That’s what I really want to do, just perform at a high level. So if he wants to play me there, I’d be more than happy to.”
Anthony Gordon ended up joining Newcastle United in January 2023. The Englishman has recently been linked with a move to Liverpool as the Reds hunt for a long-term Mohamed Salah replacement.