Anthony Gordon has boldly declared his readiness to step into the crucial No.9 striker position for Newcastle United, a move that comes amidst swirling speculation surrounding the future of star forward Alexander Isak at St. James’ Park.

The uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s tenure with Newcastle has escalated, particularly after reports indicated his absence from the club’s pre-season tour, officially attributed to a thigh injury. This situation has left many questioning the Swedish international’s commitment and long-term presence.

Manager Eddie Howe himself has openly admitted to the precariousness of Isak’s situation, confessing uncertainty about the 25-year-old’s return for the upcoming season. This admission highlights Newcastle’s current lack of established centre-forwards, with the squad’s striking options severely limited beyond young prospect William Osula, and previous transfer targets like Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro already missed.

Fortunately for the Magpies, a potential internal solution has emerged in the form of Anthony Gordon. The versatile winger has expressed his clear willingness to embrace the central striker role, stating, “I’ve said before, I like playing No 9.” This declaration provides a timely boost for the club as they navigate their attacking options.

Despite his eagerness to play as a centre-forward, Gordon has no desire to inherit the iconic Newcastle No.9 shirt, recently vacated by Callum Wilson. He humorously noted the immense pressure associated with the jersey, preferring to stick with his current No.10, indicating a shrewd understanding of fan expectations and historical significance.

Interestingly, Gordon himself experienced a similar period of intense transfer speculation last summer, with a high-profile move to Anfield from St. James’ Park nearly materializing. This personal experience likely gives him a unique perspective on the pressures currently facing Isak and other players subjected to transfer rumors.

The continuous transfer speculation, combined with his stint at another club, significantly impacted Gordon’s performance leading into the 2024/25 season, contributing to a reduced output of just 12 goal contributions compared to 26 in the previous campaign. He emphasized the mental toll such uncertainty takes on a player.

Now, Gordon reveals a sense of immense relief and mental refreshment from being out of the transfer rumor mill for the first time in three years. He firmly stated his contentment at Newcastle, expressing his enjoyment of football again and his desire to remain unlinked to other clubs. This newfound stability bodes well for his future contributions.