Anthony Gordon joins Alex Iwobi on the brink of major Everton contract boost
Anthony Gordon is on the brink of ending speculation over a January move to Chelsea or Tottenham by signing a new Everton deal, The Telegraph reports.
The English winger was the subject of extensive transfer speculation during the summer transfer window but has joined teammate Alex Iwobi in preparing to commit is his future to the Toffees.
The pair are both crucial parts of Frank Lampard’s squad, although the 21-year-old’s form trailed off from a strong start to the campaign so a new deal is strong show of faith from the club.
The Telegraph report states: “The Merseyside club is in the process of finalising the deal and hopes to make an announcement shortly, ending any renewed speculation surrounding Gordon ahead of the January transfer window.
“Midfielder Alex Iwobi is also close to signing a contract extension as manager Frank Lampard seeks to reward those who were fundamental to the club’s Premier League survival in 2022.”
Building blocks
Lampard still has plenty of work to do to mould the squad in his image and tying down two of his key assets for the foreseeable future heading into the January window should give him an excellent platform to do so.
Gordon was seen as a potential source of funds with which to strengthen, but if he is due to sign a long-term deal the manager must have confidence that he can become a game-changer on a more regular basis.
Since Richarlison was sold in the summer it is not a habit the former Chelsea boss wants to get into to see his biggest names leave, so securing Gordon and Iwobi will be satisfying.
With the summer additions of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski he now has a much more solid looking defence, while the big money signing of Amadou Onana in particularly has raised the profile of the midfield.
The attack is by far the biggest priority now, especially with Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured again, and two offensive arrivals have been earmarked for January.
If speculation around Gordon can be put to bed and he returns to the his early-season form it would possibly be more important than any winter signing, so the contract news is significant on both counts, and in the absolute worst-case scenario secure’s the transfer value of the two key Everton men.