Liverpool may have a second chance to revive a high-profile transfer that fell through two years ago—and this time, the numbers and timing could align perfectly.
Back in Richard Hughes' debut transfer window as Liverpool's sporting director, the club pursued two marquee deals. One was Martin Zubimendi, the Spanish midfielder who eventually chose Arsenal after a dramatic last-minute change of heart. The other was a potential swap for Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, a move that came tantalizingly close but ultimately collapsed when the Magpies found other ways to meet Premier League PSR requirements.
Fast-forward to 2026, and the landscape has shifted. According to reliable reports, Newcastle are now open to selling Gordon, with a €90 million price tag attached. Liverpool have been informed of the situation, and there's a familiar twist: Joe Gomez, who was part of the original proposed swap, is once again a key factor.
Gomez enters the final year of his contract this summer, and with the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet already confirmed for next season, his place in the squad looks precarious. Limited minutes and growing competition suggest an exit is highly likely—and that could open the door for a revived part-exchange deal similar to the one that nearly happened in 2024.
Of course, Gomez's value in any negotiation has dipped due to his shorter contract, but he still offers Liverpool a unique bargaining chip. It gives the Reds an edge over other suitors like Bayern Munich, who would have to pay the full €90m in cash.
As of May 8, 2026, Gordon remains a central figure at St. James' Park despite Newcastle's challenging league campaign. The 25-year-old winger has been in blistering form, racking up 18 goals across all competitions—including 10 during an impressive Champions League run. In the Premier League, he's contributed six goals and two assists in 26 appearances, proving he's more than capable of delivering on the biggest stages.
For Liverpool, this could be the perfect storm: a world-class winger available, a squad player whose departure makes sense, and a chance to finally land a target that slipped through their fingers. Whether the deal gets over the line this time remains to be seen, but the pieces are certainly in place for an intriguing summer saga.