“Bayern Munich enters the race for Anthony Gordon from Manchester United.”

In an unexpected turn of events in the race for young English talent Anthony Gordon, German giants Bayern Munich have made a strong move to secure the signing of the 25-year-old winger, currently making waves at Newcastle United. This new twist could jeopardize the plans of Manchester United, who had identified the player as a priority target to strengthen the left flank of the team.

Manchester United, determined to bolster their wings in the upcoming summer transfer market, is seeking a player capable of replicating the impact that Amad Diallo has had on the right flank. While the right side of the attack is a strong area for the Red Devils—with Bryan Mbeumo, their most expensive signing last season, and academy prodigy Shea Lacey performing well—the left side remains a serious concern. The transition from Ruben Amorim’s tactical system to the more traditional 4-2-3-1 formation implemented by Michael Carrick has necessitated a natural winger who can exploit the game in width and depth.

The priority for those in charge at United is clear: to sign a quality left winger while also strengthening the midfield, where the acquisition of a top player is considered urgent. Names like Yan Diomande, the speedy winger from RB Leipzig, Iliman Ndiaye from Everton, and Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa are options being considered, all with experience in the Premier League — a characteristic valued by the investment fund INEOS, which has been dictating the club’s strategy.

However, Anthony Gordon stands out as a strong candidate, having made a significant impact since his £45 million transfer from Everton to Newcastle in 2022. The England international has been a key player for Eddie Howe’s team, but a turbulent season at St James’ Park, marked by the almost certain absence of European football next season and a delicate financial situation, may open the door for the departure of several stars, including Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães. Manchester United appears ready to take advantage of this vulnerability of the Magpies, with Michael Carrick pushing for Gordon to be the club’s “number one target” this summer, with negotiations underway for an offer that could be around £80 million.

However, United now faces strong competition from Bayern Munich, as revealed by journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Bavarian club is “seriously considering” moving forward with the signing of the English winger, having already had “concrete discussions” with the player’s representatives, although negotiations between clubs have not yet begun. Bayern sees Gordon as an option to compete with and shadow Jamal Musiala, the young star who has been shining at the Allianz Arena following his big-money transfer from Liverpool.

This scenario creates an interesting dynamic: if Manchester United loses the race for Gordon to Bayern, it could increase the Red Devils’ chances of securing Yan Diomande, another coveted target, given that Bayern is also in the running for the Leipzig winger. In summary, this war of interests could redirect the market and the priorities of the major European powers.

Analyzing the player’s profile, Anthony Gordon fits perfectly into INEOS’s transfer policy, which has avoided excessive spending on risky bets. The winger is known for his explosive speed and ability to play in transition—qualities that make him a lethal weapon in quick counter-attacks. However, Gordon shows limitations when faced with tight and organized defenses, a problem that Manchester United has repeatedly encountered this season. This deficit explains the disparity in his numbers: 10 goals in 12 Champions League matches, but only 6 in 26 games in the Premier League.

Therefore, even if Newcastle demands a high fee, especially in the event of an approach from the INEOS fund—with which they have a troubled relationship—Gordon is not, at first glance, the type of winger that would justify a massive investment to address deeper tactical gaps at United. The Manchester club’s decision will have to weigh between immediate need and financial sustainability, while Bayern threatens to complicate this summer transfer market, which promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.