Bayern Munich want to include a German international in a deal to sign Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Lee Ryder.
There’s a strong chance that Gordon heads through the exit door in the summer transfer window, with a host of clubs showing an interest in securing his signature.
Eddie Howe has previously hinted that Gordon could be leaving, leading to the Newcastle boss leaving him out of the starting 11 late in the season.
“Since January, really, we have been disappointed – so a change of structure really. Ant has come back to fitness. He’s training well but, also, I’m looking at the future as well.”
Bayern Munich are one of the sides showing an interest in Gordon, and they are planning on including a player in order to sweeten the deal.
Bayern Plotting Gordon Swap Deal
Anthony Gordon
According to journalist Lee Ryder, the talk from Germany is that Bayern Munich are trying to include goalkeeper Alexander Nubel in a deal to sign Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.
It’s a similar situation to what Newcastle have been in before, when they brought Odysseas Vlachodimos to the club as part of a move that included Elliot Anderson going to Nottingham Forest.
Whether including Nubel in a deal for Gordon is of interest to Newcastle remains to be seen, but there is no doubt they’d rather some of Bayern’s superstars.
Time for Gordon to Move On
With Howe confirming that he is looking to the future when deciding whether to pick Gordon, it is clear to see that he isn’t fully committed to the course heading into the new campaign.
It makes sense for Newcastle to cash in if Bayern are able to offer a significant deal, especially after England and international endured a disappointing season.
If the Magpies can make a profit on what they paid to sign him from Everton and invest in new players, it could be a smart move. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see an overhaul of their squad after finishing in the bottom half.
Tennis throughout the modern era has largely been defined by four legendary figures. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray collectively dominated the ATP rankings, with the quartet controlling the world No. 1 position continuously from 2004 until 2022.
With that in mind, here is a closer look at the remarkable impact and achievements of tennis’ most dominant generation.
Tennis’ Big Four
Roger Federer
Roger Federer is widely viewed as one of the most naturally gifted players the sport has ever produced. The Swiss icon captured 20 Grand Slam singles crowns during his career, including a men’s record eight Wimbledon titles.
Celebrated for his fluid movement, attacking style, and consistency across every surface, Federer spent 310 weeks as world No. 1. His influence on the game extends beyond trophies, with his professionalism and popularity helping elevate tennis globally.
Roger Federer’s Grand Slam results
Grand Slam
Best result
Australian Open
W (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018)
French Open
W (2009)
Wimbledon
W (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017)
US Open
W (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal established himself as the greatest clay-court player in tennis history, collecting 22 Grand Slam singles titles overall. Fourteen of those victories came at the French Open, a record unlikely to be matched.
British tennis legend, Tin Henman, has named the toughest opponent out of the sport’s ‘Big Four’, while also naming the GOAT of the sport.
Renowned for his relentless intensity and fighting spirit, Nadal spent more than 200 weeks ranked No. 1 in the world. His unforgettable battles with Federer and Djokovic defined an iconic era for the sport.
Andy Murray may not have matched the Slam totals of his rivals, but the Brit firmly earned his place among tennis’ elite. Murray won three Grand Slam singles titles, including two memorable triumphs at Wimbledon, ending Britain’s decades-long wait for a home men’s champion. He also held the world No. 1 ranking for 41 weeks.
Throughout his career, Murray became admired for his resilience, defensive skill, and ability to compete against some of the greatest players ever seen.
Andy Murray’s Grand Slam results
Grand Slam
Best result
Australian Open
F (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016)
French Open
F (2016)
Wimbledon
W (2013, 2016)
US Open
W (2012)
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has built one of the most decorated careers the sport has ever witnessed. The Serbian superstar has claimed 24 Grand Slam singles titles, the highest tally in men’s tennis, while also winning seven Wimbledon crowns. Djokovic additionally holds the record for the most weeks spent as world No. 1, highlighting his sustained excellence over multiple eras. Even in the latter stages of his career, he continues to compete at the very highest level.
He faced every member of the Big Four during his career
Prior to the dominance of the Big Four, British tennis fans looked to Tim Henman as the nation’s leading figure on the ATP Tour. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Henman became one of Britain’s most recognisable athletes and later inspired the next generation, including Andy Murray. Throughout his career, he also had the opportunity to compete against each member of the Big Four.
Unsurprisingly, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic all make the list, but who else joins them?
Henman once reflected on those experiences, discussing which player he believed possessed the most complete all-round game while also revealing his choice for the greatest male player ever.
Speaking with talkSPORT, Henman explained why Federer stood out to him as the most complete opponent.
“For me, Federer was the most complete player that I ever played against. I played Federer the most and I felt that he had the most complete game, he could play on any surface, had very few weaknesses, and there wasn’t a specific area that you could necessarily attack.”
Despite praising Federer’s all-around ability, Henman ultimately believes another member of the Big Four deserves the title of the greatest player ever.
“I only played Djokovic once when he was young. I think sort of 18, 19, and his game was developing then. He didn’t serve quite so well, but it’s been incredible to see how all their games evolved over time.
“For me, it’s pretty clear that Djokovic is the greatest male player of all time. When you look at the numbers — Grand Slams, weeks at world number one, Masters 1000 titles — Djokovic leads in almost every major category. That’s why, for me, the debate is fairly straightforward.”
Tottenham Hotspur are planning to ensure they are not in another relegation battle next season, and Roberto De Zerbi is eyeing a raid on his former club to make it happen.
The Lilywhites secured their survival with a win over Everton on the final day of the campaign, sending West Ham into the Championship and cementing the future of a number of top players at the club. But the manager is keen to strengthen the squad, and bring in players to suit his tactical needs.
The best way for him to do that quickly is to sign players he has worked with previously, and it has now emerged that the Italian is taking a close look at some former players ahead of the summer window.
Tottenham Eyeing Baleba Transfer Hijack
According to a report by Miguel Delaney, Tottenham are eyeing a move to sign Brighton midfield sensation Carlos Baleba this summer.
However, De Zerbi is hopeful of hijacking that move by entering the race for his former midfielder, and using his relationship with the player to convince him to move to north London instead.
The Cameroon international won’t be cheap, however, with Brighton understood to be demanding around £100m for his services, as they look to keep their squad strong following qualification for the Conference League next season.
Tottenham are prepared to back De Zerbi fully this summer, but there is an acceptance that it will be difficult for them to do that. However, De Zerbi views Baleba as one of ‘his players’, and feels there is a deal there than can be done.
Baleba Would Be Perfect Tottenham Addition
Tottenham were seriously lacking with their squad this season when it came to having the legs and fitness to stop opposing teams hurting them, and there aren’t many better at combating that problem than Baleba.
The 22-year-old is quick, strong, and has great for for growth, which makes him the absolutely perfect signing for what Spurs are looking to build going forward. But they face a huge ask convincing him to join.
Not only is the transfer fee likely to be huge, but Man Utd have an agreement in place and he has been desperate to make that switch since last year. If anyone can convince him to change it’s mind, it’s likely to be De Zerbi, but it won’t be easy.
Liverpool are preparing to make a move to sign Anthony Gordon this summer, according to reports.
With Mohamed Salah leaving the club this summer, following an agreement between player and club to terminate his contract early, Liverpool will be on the lookout for a replacement.
There are also question marks over the long-term futures of Federico Chiesa and Cody Gakpo, who have failed to live up to expectations this season.
Liverpool have a number of irons in the fire when it comes to replacing Salah, with the likes of Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola viewed as potential options.
Liverpool almost signed Gordon two years ago
However, Gordon has now re-emerged as a potential signing, two years after coming close to making the move to Anfield.
The Reds came close to signing the England star in the summer of 2024, but a £75million deal fell through at the last moment, when Newcastle opted to sell Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest instead to help comply with the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules.
GIVEMESPORT understands that Gordon is expected to leave St James’ Park this summer and Liverpool’s historic interest may now have turned into active interest this summer, according to Teamtalk.
But they will have to act quickly if they are to get a deal over the line, given the strong interest in Gordon from Bayern Munich.
The German giants have been heavily linked with signing the forward this summer, with GMS’s senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs revealing an agreement is already in place.
He said: “Broad terms now in place between Anthony Gordon and Bayern Munich. However, there remains a gulf in valuation between Bayern and Newcastle with club-to-club talks ongoing. Newcastle seeking £75million-plus. There is optimism the club’s valuation will be met given the volume of initial interest.”
It has been reported that Bayern value the England man at closer to £55million, meaning they will have to go back to the negotiating table if they want to complete a deal.
Gordon could be the perfect Mohamed Salah replacement
Gordon, who Pep Guardiola described as “one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League”, is now viewed by Liverpool as the more likely signing of those on their shortlist this summer, and if they stump up the cash Newcastle are demanding, the Reds should not have too much difficulty in convincing the player to sign on at Anfield.
While Gordon started his career at Liverpool’s bitter rivals Everton, he actually grew up as a Red, actually being part of their academy until he was released at the age of 11.
Steven Gerrard was his idol growing up, too, as he revealed in an interview with Gary Neville: “Steven Gerrard was my football hero growing up. Coming from Liverpool, he was like a God in Liverpool, and he was an unbelievable player.”
