Liverpool's summer transfer plans have suffered a significant setback, with two of European football's biggest clubs moving to sign Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon — a player long linked with a move to Anfield.

The Reds endured a difficult 2024–25 campaign under manager Arne Slot, finishing fifth in the Premier League — a full 25 points behind champions Arsenal. With Mohamed Salah set to leave the club, securing attacking reinforcements is a priority, but the pursuit of Gordon is growing more complicated by the day.

Barcelona lead the charge for Gordon

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have entered direct club-to-club talks with Newcastle United over Gordon's potential move to Spain this summer. Romano reported on Twitter/X that the 25-year-old England international is open to the transfer, though several other clubs are also in contention.

Barcelona are in direct club to club talks with Newcastle for Anthony Gordon. The player is keen on the move but more clubs are also on it.

Romano also noted that Barcelona sporting director Deco made a recent trip to the United Kingdom, with discussions over Gordon understood to be the primary purpose of that visit.

Bayern Munich also keen

Beyond Barcelona, German giants Bayern Munich are reportedly showing strong interest in Gordon, further complicating matters for Liverpool. Chelsea and other Premier League clubs are also said to be monitoring the winger's situation, making the competition for his signature fierce.

Gordon is currently valued at €60 million by Transfermarkt, and his ranking as one of the world's top left-wingers — 14th on FourFourTwo's global list — underscores why elite clubs are circling.

Newcastle's reluctance to deal with Liverpool again

Even if Liverpool remain in the hunt, there is another obstacle beyond the European competition: Newcastle United's own reluctance to strengthen a rival. The two clubs clashed bitterly last summer in a protracted transfer battle over Alexander Isak, which ended with Liverpool securing the Swedish striker's signature from St. James' Park.

That episode left tensions between the clubs, and whether Newcastle would be willing to do further business with Liverpool so soon remains a significant question. Gordon himself may also factor in the broader political landscape of any potential negotiation.

Despite his Everton connections — Gordon came through the academy of Liverpool's Merseyside rivals — he has established himself as one of England's most dynamic attackers at Newcastle. He will next be seen in action for England in a friendly against New Zealand on June 6.