The Magpies' willingness to sell their 17-goal star exposes the financial reality behind their Saudi-backed project
Newcastle United have made their move for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, preparing a lucrative contract offer as they brace for Anthony Gordon's £80m exit this summer.
The 19-year-old Ivorian winger, valued at £87m, has emerged as Newcastle's primary target to replace their homegrown star, who scored 17 goals in 46 games this season.
Despite their Saudi ownership, Newcastle find themselves trapped by Financial Fair Play regulations. Currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, the club faces a summer exodus to balance their books.
Gordon represents their most valuable saleable asset. As a homegrown player, his sale would generate pure profit on the FFP ledger, creating the headroom needed for significant reinvestment.
Multiple Premier League sources confirm Newcastle's valuation of Gordon at around £80m. Liverpool lead the chase as part of their post-Salah rebuild plans, while Arsenal and Bayern Munich maintain genuine interest.
One of our trusted sources at Newcastle United is stating that the club will look to sell Anthony Gordon. The source states that Newcastle United have made a move for Yan Diomande.
The mathematics are stark. Selling Gordon for £80m and reinvesting in Diomande, even at £87m, makes FFP sense when accounting for Gordon's homegrown status and lower book value.
The statistical comparison reveals two players at different stages of their development:
Diomande's numbers in the Bundesliga are impressive for a teenager. His 20 goal contributions in 31 games suggest a player ready for the Premier League's intensity.
The Ivorian offers pace, directness and versatility across the front line. At 19, he represents both immediate impact and long-term value, fitting Newcastle's new reality of asset management.
Leipzig's €100m (£87m) valuation reflects his potential rather than current output. Newcastle believe they can offer more lucrative personal terms than their Premier League rivals, including Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.
This potential swap deal signals a fundamental shift in Newcastle's transfer strategy. Rather than building around their best players, they're becoming a club that develops and sells talent.
Eddie Howe faces the challenge of maintaining competitiveness while operating as a selling club. The Gordon-Diomande exchange could set the template for future windows: identify undervalued young talent, develop them, then cash in when their value peaks.
Gordon's departure would remove Newcastle's most productive attacker from a squad already struggling for goals. The pressure on Diomande to deliver immediately would be immense.
Multiple sources report Newcastle are preparing for a broader summer exodus. Other valuable assets may follow Gordon out the door as the club attempts to reset their financial position while staying competitive.
Newcastle's approach for Diomande suggests Gordon's exit is already decided. The coming weeks will determine whether Liverpool, Arsenal or Bayern Munich meet Newcastle's valuation.
For Newcastle supporters, this represents a sobering reality check. Despite the promise of Saudi investment, they're watching their best players leave while gambling on potential replacements. The success of deals like Diomande will determine whether this strategy can deliver European football or condemn them to mid-table mediocrity.
Newcastle must sell Gordon due to Financial Fair Play regulations. As a homegrown player, his £80m sale would generate pure profit on their FFP ledger, creating room for reinvestment despite the club's wealthy ownership.
RB Leipzig have valued Yan Diomande at £87m (€100m). Newcastle are preparing a lucrative contract offer for the 19-year-old Ivorian winger as Gordon's direct replacement.
Liverpool lead the chase for Anthony Gordon as part of their post-Salah rebuild plans. Arsenal and Bayern Munich also maintain genuine interest in the £80m-rated winger.
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The Rumour MillManchester United have reportedly prepared a €100m bid for Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, joining Liverpool and Arsenal in pursuit of the England winger. The valuation represents more than double what Newcastle paid 18 months ago, highlighting both the player's remarkable development and the inflated transfer market.
Gordon scored 17 goals with 5 assists in 46 games for Newcastle. Diomande recorded 12 goals and 8 assists in 31 games for RB Leipzig, showing impressive output for a 19-year-old in the Bundesliga.
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