Manchester United’s pursuit of Anthony Gordon has been thrown into chaos after Bayern Munich stormed into the race for the Newcastle winger, with “concrete talks” already held between the German champions and the player’s camp.
The 25 year old England international is suddenly one of the most wanted men in Europe. And United, who had made him a priority target, now face a straight fight with Bayern for his signature.
According to Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg, Bayern are “seriously considering” a summer swoop. Gordon has been informed. Talks have taken place. The Bundesliga giants see him as a “back up and competitor” to Luis Díaz on the left wing.
That is the plan. Whether Gordon sees it the same way is another matter entirely.
United’s left wing nightmare
The Red Devils are desperate for an upgrade out wide. The right side is stacked, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and academy wonderkid Shea Lacey all competing for minutes.
The left? A wasteland.
Since INEOS ended Ruben Amorim’s turbulent tenure and brought back Michael Carrick as interim, United have reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Two out and out wingers. No more of that square peg, round hole nonsense.
But they need a left winger. Badly.
RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande is the leading target. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers are also on the list. But Gordon ticks every box, Premier League pedigree, devastating pace, and a relentless engine.
There is just one problem. He is not worth £80m.
The Newcastle factor
Gordon joined Newcastle from Everton for £45m in 2022. He has become a key player. A fan favourite. An England international.
But Newcastle are in trouble. No European football next season. A precarious financial situation described by insiders as “fragile.” The prospect of Eddie Howe’s best players leaving Tyneside is very real.
Sandro Tonali. Bruno Guimaraes. Lewis Hall. And Gordon.
United have been tracking all of them. Carrick is said to be actively pushing for Gordon as the “number one target,” with talk of an £80m bid in the works.
But here is the rub. Gordon is a player who thrives in transition. Space to run into. Defences caught high. That is his game.
When teams sit deep in a low block, the exact setup United have consistently failed to break down, Gordon struggles. His numbers tell the story: 10 goals in 12 Champions League games. Six goals in 26 league games.
That is not an £80m player. That is a specialist.
The Bayern twist
If United miss out on Gordon because of Bayern, it might not be a disaster. In fact, it could help them land Diomande because Bayern are also in the hunt for the RB Leipzig starlet.
The German champions cannot sign everyone. If they take Gordon, they likely drop out of the Diomande race. United could pivot.
But there is bad blood between INEOS and Newcastle. The Magpies will not do United any favours. If Bayern come calling with a respectable offer, Newcastle would probably prefer to sell to Germany than to a direct Premier League rival.
The bottom line
Gordon fits the profile INEOS want. Young. Premier League proven. High ceiling.
But £80m? For a player who disappears against low blocks? That is a gamble.
Bayern are in the race. United are in the race. And Gordon has a decision to make.
Backup to Díaz in Munich? Or first choice at Old Trafford?
The next few weeks will tell us which way he leans. But one thing is certain this transfer saga is far from over.
