Newcastle United fans may have seen the last of Anthony Gordon in a black-and-white shirt, as the winger's absence from the starting lineup fuels growing transfer speculation linking him with a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Despite being fully fit and available for selection, the 23-year-old England international has been an unused substitute in Newcastle's last two matches—a surprising development that has set tongues wagging across the football world.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, head coach Eddie Howe addressed the situation with characteristic candor, revealing that the decision was partly strategic with an eye on the club's long-term plans.

"When you get to this stage of the season, part of what we will be doing is looking to next year, naturally, so yes," Howe explained. "Anthony's just come back from injury. I think the team has played well in his absence, and with a partial view to the future, yes."

The timing is particularly intriguing, with reports emerging of active negotiations between Newcastle and Bayern Munich over a potential summer transfer. However, Howe remained tight-lipped when pressed for updates on the situation.

"No, nothing—no updates from me. These are discussions that potentially might be happening, but not with me," the Newcastle boss stated, leaving fans to read between the lines as the January transfer window approaches.

For now, Gordon's future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Magpies are preparing for life both with and without their dynamic winger.