Newcastle United has recently faced a catalog of defeats in away games across all competitions this season, forcing manager Eddie Howe to find a solution quickly if the season is to be deemed successful.
While the Carabao Cup campaign remains promising and the team made progress in their Champions League return, the recent Premier League defeat at Manchester United on Boxing Day deepened the club`s domestic struggles, further widening the gap to the European qualification spots.
The manager`s tactical formula remains uncertain, particularly when key players like Anthony Gordon are struggling to deliver the necessary final product, thereby limiting the team`s attacking fluency.
Newcastle`s performance at Old Trafford was defined by wastefulness. Gordon`s struggle in front of goal this season is evident, and a change is needed to spark the attack.
Anthony Gordon garnered significant attention in 2024, with transfer rumors suggesting a valuation of up to £100 million linked to interest from clubs like Liverpool. However, the England international currently seems miles away from justifying such a high figure, having endured a prolonged dip in form.
While Gordon is known for his energy and pace, these attributes fall short when he fails to deliver in the final third. Disappointingly, only two of his seven goals across all competitions this season have originated from open play.
One football scout noted that Gordon is entering `Gabriel Obertan territory`—a player with natural talent but critically lacking the necessary end product. Frustratingly, this inconsistency is not isolated. Gordon`s time on Tyneside has been marked by fluctuations, and he has particularly struggled with sharpness since being crowned Newcastle`s Player of the Year at the close of the 2023/24 campaign.
| Anthony Gordon`s Premier League Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Season | Apps | Goals + Assists |
| 25/26 (NUFC) | 13 | 2 + 1 |
| 24/25 (NUFC) | 34 | 6 + 5 |
| 23/24 (NUFC) | 35 | 11 + 10 |
| 22/23 (NUFC) | 16 | 1 + 0 |
| 22/23 (EFC) | 16 | 3 + 0 |
| 21/22 (EFC) | 35 | 4 + 2 |
| 20/21 (EFC) | 3 | 0 + 0 |
| 19/20 (EFC) | 11 | 0 + 1 |
| Data via Sofascore | ||
While Gordon will undoubtedly remain a key figure in Howe`s squad for the immediate future, Newcastle must exercise foresight and potentially identify a long-term successor by 2026. Technical Director Ross Wilson may already be targeting the perfect up-and-comer.
Finding a ready-made replacement for Gordon might be difficult given the current financial constraints and the club’s priority to reinforce defensive flanks and sign a top central midfielder.
However, recent reports suggest that Newcastle is among several suitors tracking Leicester City`s Jeremy Monga. As the young player continues to excel in the Championship, Newcastle might seek to secure his signature promptly.
Hailed as a `generational talent` by journalist Graeme Bailey, Monga is only 16 years old but has already established himself as a regular feature in Leicester`s matchday squad, recording one goal and one assist across 15 league fixtures, including five starts, this season.
Described as fast and aggressive, Monga is a versatile and unpredictable winger. He is expected to command a fee upwards of £15 million, potentially much more, demonstrating that he already possesses a keen eye for goal and impact.
Given Monga`s immense youth and potential, it is highly plausible that this rising star could eventually replace Gordon. He has already shown signs that he could integrate into Howe`s senior side.
Could Monga be the player who takes Gordon’s coveted No. 10 shirt? Monga`s underlying statistics are highly impressive for the Championship: he ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers for progressive carries and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, according to FBref.
A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.
Monga shows significant promise. He is physically robust for his age and displays a willingness to utilize his pace and physicality, attributes that are only set to improve in the coming years.
Monga is a top talent worth challenging big clubs for. He is already succeeding on the senior stage and might possess the necessary quality not just to displace Gordon at Newcastle but perhaps even to challenge him for a national team spot down the line.
Rupert Fawcett
