Chelsea fans might remember the summer of 2022 when Anthony Gordon, then at Everton, was close to joining the Blues. Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea’s manager at the time, was eager to bring in the young winger to Stamford Bridge, seeing him as an exciting addition to his attacking options. Unfortunately, the move didn’t materialize, leaving Gordon’s hopes dashed – but now, it seems the duo will finally get to work together.

Since then, Gordon has made strides in his career. After his high-profile switch to Newcastle United from Everton in January 2023, he has continued to impress with the Magpies. His form has not gone unnoticed, earning him a spot in England’s national team setup, where he’s now set to reunite with Tuchel, who takes over as England’s head coach in the new year.

Reflecting on the Chelsea move that never happened, Gordon said, “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 didn’t end up happening.”

Chelsea fans might feel a pang of “what could have been” hearing this. Gordon’s style and tenacity on the field could have been a strong match for Tuchel’s system, something the young forward still reflects on. “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,” he added.

The brief interaction Gordon had with Tuchel after a game against Chelsea left a lasting impact on him. “I shook his hand, and that was about it,” he shared. “He said some really complimentary things to me that I’ll keep to myself. I felt a lot of warmth from him, which then in turn made me really want to play for him, but I didn’t get that chance.”

As Tuchel now prepares to lead the national team, Chelsea supporters can only wonder how Gordon might have fared in blue under Tuchel’s guidance. Perhaps now, with both men working together for England, we’ll get a glimpse of the synergy that might have been at Stamford Bridge.