Preston fans didn’t get to see the best of Anthony Gordon, so will share his belief that the rumours of a move to Chelsea were ‘crazy’.
North End took Gordon on loan in an exciting deadline day move back in February 2021.
Gordon arrived with more fanfare than fellow arrival Sepp van den Berg, but their Preston careers were very different.
Van den Berg ended up spending 18 months with Preston and became a fan favourite.
Gordon, on the other hand, started just five games for North End before heading back to Everton.
We would all see the talent in Gordon’s locker but, much like many loanees before him, it just wasn’t consistent enough.
The 21-year-old went back to Everton and made a big impact last season, bagging four Premier League as the Toffees avoided relegation.
Two goals in seven games to open this season is a strong start and Gordon has been heavily linked with a move away from Everton.
Imagine the shock on the faces of Preston fans when Sky Sports reported in August that Chelsea were willing to pay £60million – yes, sixty – to sign Gordon.
Everton stood firm and refused to sell their homegrown winger, who has now had his say on the rumours.
Gordon has told the London Evening Standard that the £60million price tag was ‘absolutely crazy’ and doesn’t think that any player should be worth that much.
Gordon has reiterated his commitment to Everton but you can be sure that Chelsea – and other clubs – will be keeping tabs on him going forward.
This would make Gordon just the latest former Preston loanee to earn a big move after a disappointing spell at Deepdale.
Andy Carroll springs to mind, as do Danny Welbeck, Josh King, Lukas Nmecha and Stephy Mavididi – but Gordon could end up being the most expensive of the lot.