Anthony Gordon’s possible departure from Everton is looking more likely every day with rumours today that he has removed links to the club from his social media.
This possible transfer has been mooted for months now with speculation that the young Everton forward was on the radar of several Premier League rivals.
Recently, that speculation has intensified with stories that Chelsea have had one or possibly two bids for the 21-year-old turned down by the Blues’.
And, there were reports that while he wasn’t pushing for a move away he would be keen to go to West London if Chelsea’s interest was serious.
Now it seems as though he has removed all his social media links to the Toffees’, something that does seem a little strange if he’s not leaving the club.
Of course, taking down social media links doesn’t mean he’s certainly heading to pastures new, but it is obviously a key way modern players present themselves and market their image.
So, does all this mean he is anticipating another big bid from Chelsea and expects to be on his way to the capital before the transfer window shuts?
There hasn’t been any news of further bids yet from the Londoners, but assuming their interest is genuine, I don’t think anyone would be surprised if they came in again just before the window closes.
That would put maximum pressure on Everton to sell as the Blues’ would presumably still be trying to make last minute moves before the window shuts, especially if they still haven’t got any more forwards in (which knowing this club wouldn’t surprise me!).
The other aspect of this is that if Gordon wants to move on then I think the club should sell him in this transfer window and get the most for the player.
In an ideal situaiton I wouldn’t want to see him go as he is a talented local young footballer who has come through the ranks at Goodison Park.
However, if he’s had his head turned by another club’s interest and Everton can secure say £50 million or more, I think it has to be done. And, I’m also of the view that if a player wants out then move him on and get the best deal you can.
After all too, there’s no guarantee he will fulfill his potential and ever be worth more than Chelsea seem willing to pay.
The club can then invest that money now to solve the pressing problems in the team before it’s too late and the window shuts.
That’s primarily of course some creativity and goal-scoring threat up front. The days and the games go by and the Toffees’ still haven’t sorted this situation out, despite losing their leading goal-scorer from last season and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured again.
Perhaps part of the problem getting deals for new strikers over the line, is a lack of money, particularly after the club have already splashed out considerable amounts of their limted funds on Dwight McNeil and Amadou Onana.
While they both might prove to be good investments (although I’m not sure about McNeil) nether are likely to provide many goals, especially not in the next few weeks, which could well prove significant in defining Everton’s season.
Selling Gordon would at least bring in a significant amount and possibly a player or two (like Armando Broja) as well on loan as part of the deal.
It’s a big decision for the club. But, while I have been a strong supporter of giving Gordon his chance, he seems to want a move and the money seems too good for this cash-strapped club to turn down.