Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has acknowledged that Anthony Gordon might have already played his final game for the club as speculation mounts over a summer move to Bayern Munich. The 25-year-old England winger has missed Newcastle’s last four fixtures, the first two because of a hip flexor issue, and German champions Bayern are reported to have held preliminary talks with Newcastle about a possible deal.
Newcastle expect to entertain offers for Gordon this summer if he wishes to explore options abroad. He remains under contract for four more years and finishes the season as the club’s leading scorer on 17 goals in all competitions.
Howe admitted the club are beginning to plan for next season and that selection decisions have taken that into account. He said the team has performed well in Gordon’s absence and, with one eye on the future, that has informed his choices. When asked specifically about Bayern interest, Howe said he had no personal updates and described any transfer discussions as matters not handled directly by him.
Newcastle are understood to have a positive relationship with Bayern, who have monitored Gordon since earlier in the year. Gordon’s representatives were also photographed in Barcelona recently, though Newcastle have not received any direct approaches from Barcelona.
Howe faces a selection dilemma ahead of Sunday’s penultimate Premier League match, when relegation-threatened West Ham visit St James’ Park. Joelinton, who started in the same left-sided attacking role at Nottingham Forest last weekend, is managing a thigh problem, which could affect options. Howe stressed he would pick Gordon if it was right for the team, but that team and club considerations come before individual players.
Sunday will also be Kieran Trippier’s final home appearance before his contract expires at the end of the season.
Looking ahead to the summer window, Howe insisted the club must act differently from last year and be quicker and more decisive in their recruitment. He noted the market moves fast and that Newcastle must be among the efficient clubs pursuing top targets. Despite what looks set to be the club’s lowest-scoring full season under Howe, he does not currently prioritise adding another forward — citing several attacking options already in the squad who have been used this season and the need to integrate them effectively.