Manchester United wanted Johan Manzambi. Instead, it looks like Newcastle got him.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Magpies have a full agreement with Freiburg for the 20-year-old Swiss midfielder. The fee is €60 million. Newcastle are now finishing up the personal terms with Manzambi, who is currently at the World Cup with Switzerland but also nursing an injury.
This is a real blow for Michael Carrick’s side. They’ve been tracking Manzambi for over a year now, watching him develop into one of the Bundesliga’s most complete midfielders. The guy is a classic box-to-box engine — strong, technical, and always looking to drive forward from deep. He scored five goals and added four assists in 27 league appearances last season, and then went to the World Cup and put up three goals and two assists for Switzerland. That’s production that’s hard to find.
United’s midfield rebuild is still moving
But it’s not all bad news at Old Trafford. They’re close on two other deals that should reshape the middle of the park.
Chelsea’s Andrey Santos completed his medical today. That one is essentially done. And United have also agreed terms with Atalanta for Ederson. His medical is scheduled as the next step. So Carrick is bringing in two midfielders, possibly three if they make another move.
Still, losing Manzambi stings. The comparisons to Jude Bellingham have been floating around for a while, and United fans remember all too well how that one turned out. They missed on Bellingham years ago, and now they’re watching another young midfield star land elsewhere.
Aston Villa also made a late push after Amadou Onana tore his ACL, but Newcastle had already done the groundwork. They’re the clear favorites to get this deal over the line.
Manzambi is reportedly staying focused on the World Cup for now. Switzerland face Argentina in the quarterfinal this weekend. He’ll be a huge part of that game if he’s healthy enough to play.
For United, the message is clear: you can’t win them all. But with Santos and Ederson on the way, they’re not exactly standing still.
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