Anthony Gordon admits Chelsea transfer was ‘quite close’ – with ‘big opportunity’ passing England forward by before eventually linking up with Newcastle

Premier League heavyweights at Stamford Bridge made an approach for Gordon towards the end of the summer transfer window in 2022. Chelsea played Everton on the opening day of that campaign, and Tuchel saw enough to suggest that the fleet-footed winger would be a shrewd addition to his ranks.

Tuchel spoke with Gordon on the pitch after the clash at Goodison Park, but no deal was done. Gordon, who ended up joining Newcastle in January 2023, has said of that saga: “I spoke to him after the game, when I played for Everton and we played Chelsea. I spoke to him after the game when I shook his hand. That was about it. He said some really complimentary things to me, which I’ll keep to myself. But, yeah, I spoke to him and I felt a lot of warmth from him, which then made me really want to play for him. I didn’t get that chance.

“It was quite close to be honest. I was desperate to go at the time and work with him, especially. I felt like my style would suit his style of play, the way he was playing at Chelsea which was very exciting for me. It was a big opportunity for me that didn’t end up happening and I’m looking forward to getting to work with him a couple of years later.”

Tuchel is preparing to take the reins as England manager, with his contract due to start on January 1. Gordon will get a chance to work with the Champions League-winning German after all, but added when asked if he could have imagined that such an opportunity would come with the Three Lions: “No, definitely not. He was doing so, so well at Chelsea at that point, that it’s hard to imagine what’s going to come in the future.”

Gordon is working under interim boss Lee Carsley at international level for now, with England preparing for two more UEFA Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland – with the first of those contests taking place on Thursday.