Ex-Everton Boss Weighs in on Gordon Sale

Ex-Everton manager Sam Allardyce has stated his belief that Newcastle United’s acquisition of Anthony Gordon from Everton was the signing of the January transfer window, insisting that the £45 million fee was “a bit of a bargain”.

The 21-year-old Everton academy graduate moved to St James’ Park after a deal was agreed between the two clubs to pay a reported £40 million up front for the winger, with an additional £5 million to be paid in add-ons, making Gordon Newcastle’s second ever most expensive player.

Gordon’s work rate and attitude last season endeared him to Everton fans, as his performances aided the club in avoiding relegation. Yet, both his performances and work rate took a significant nosedive in the first half of the current campaign.

However, the Magpies were still willing to fork out a substantial sum for the attacker, and when asked who was the signing of the January transfer window, Allardyce, who had managerial spells at both Everton and Newcastle, insisted that Gordon was the standout out move of the month.

“Anthony Gordon, I think, to Newcastle,” he said.

“I don’t know how strong that bid was from Chelsea before the window shut in the summer, which was reputed to be £60 or £70million but to let a young man go, forced his own way out to be fair, which I don’t like. An Everton boy, an Everton supporter.

“But you have to get the best you can. I think £45million is short of the real valuation of what we have seen in some of the players who have been transferred this window.

“But great for Newcastle. I’d say it was a bit of a bargain for them.”

7 goals in 65 appearances for Everton.

For £45 million, I’d have paid the wantaway winger’s train ticket to Newcastle Central.