Transfer Window Heats Up: Gordon to Barca, Anderson Race Decided, and Glasner Exits in Style
May 28, 2026 — Alex Morgan, Sports Desk ⚽
The summer 2026 transfer window hasn't officially opened yet, but the headlines are already coming thick and fast. From a blockbuster Barcelona-Newcastle deal for Anthony Gordon to Manchester United conceding defeat in the race for Elliot Anderson, and Oliver Glasner signing off in fairytale fashion — it's been a whirlwind 24 hours in sport. Here's everything you need to know.
🌍 Barcelona Land Gordon in £69m Deal
Barcelona have reached an agreement with Newcastle United for England international Anthony Gordon, with the fee understood to be £69.3m (€80m) including add-ons. The 25-year-old winger is expected to fly to Spain for his medical, bringing an end to a transfer saga that also involved Bayern Munich.
Gordon, who has been a standout performer for Newcastle this season, brings pace, direct running, and Premier League nous to a Barcelona side rebuilding under Hansi Flick. The Blaugrana's sporting director Deco personally travelled to London to negotiate terms — and it's a deal that signals Barcelona's intent to compete at the top of Europe once again.
🛑 Man Utd Concede Anderson Race to City
In a significant blow to Manchester United's summer plans, the club has reportedly conceded defeat to rivals Manchester City in the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old — formerly of Newcastle's academy — has been exceptional for Forest this season, and City have made him their top priority under incoming manager Enzo Maresca.
United, meanwhile, are closing in on a £38m deal for Atalanta's Ederson as they pivot to alternative targets. With Pep Guardiola departing the Etihad, Maresca is wasting no time reshaping the City squad — and snatching Anderson from under United's nose sets the tone for a fascinating summer.
🦅 Glasner's Perfect Farewell: Palace Win Conference League
It was the story of the night in Leipzig. Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League final, securing the club's first major European trophy in their debut continental campaign. Jean-Philippe Mateta's second-half strike was enough to seal it, sending the Palace faithful into dreamland.
The victory gave outgoing manager Oliver Glasner the perfect send-off. In just 12 months, the Austrian transformed Palace from Premier League mid-table into European champions — complete with U-turns, tension, and ultimately, trophies. "This is where Palace belong," Glasner said post-match, as the club now qualifies for the Europa League.
🎾 Mensik Fumes After French Open Collapse
Over at Roland Garros, 20-year-old Jakub Mensik labelled the playing conditions "insane" after collapsing at the end of a brutal five-set win over Mariano Navone. The Czech teenager spent four hours and 41 minutes on court in scorching Paris heat before his body "just turned off."
Medical staff rushed to his aid, applying ice treatment before he was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair. Despite the ordeal, Mensik hopes to recover for his third-round clash against Alex de Minaur. The incident has reignited the debate around player welfare in extreme heat at Grand Slams.
🏴 Wharton Shines After England Snub
In a subplot that's raising eyebrows, Adam Wharton delivered a standout performance following Thomas Tuchel's decision to omit him from England's World Cup squad. With Tuchel defending his controversial "specialist" selections — leaving out the likes of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Harry Maguire — Wharton's form is making the German coach's decision look increasingly questionable.
Meanwhile, Andrew Robertson is close to completing a free transfer to Tottenham after his Liverpool exit was confirmed. Klopp's final Liverpool chapter saw both Salah and Robertson depart, and the Scotland captain will bring leadership to a Spurs side fighting to rebuild after a nightmare season.
— Alex Morgan, Two Kings Tips | Sources: Sky Sports, BBC Sport, ESPN