Newcastle United has not yet finalized a deal for Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi. Despite chatter suggesting an agreement was already in place, journalist Luke Edwards reports that there is ‘nothing finalised or agreed yet.’
The Magpies are flush with cash after selling Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for a massive fee. They need to replace him and have been working through a list of targets all summer.
They already missed out on Atalanta’s Sergej Levak, who signed a new deal through 2031. They did manage to land Ajax youngster Sean Steur, but that move was never meant to be the only midfield addition.
Manzambi’s World Cup Performances Have Teams Lining Up
Manzambi has turned heads at the ongoing World Cup with Switzerland. His play has drawn interest from several European clubs, including Aston Villa. Villa is feeling extra pressure after Amadou Onana got hurt during Belgium’s round of 16 match against the U.S.
Newcastle has reportedly made ‘significant progress’ and is ‘very close’ to getting this done. But close isn’t the same as done. No agreement has been signed. No deal is official.
If they do get it over the line, expect the price tag to land around €60 million. Manzambi would also get a long-term contract at St. James’ Park.
No Room for Error After Last Summer’s Criticism
The stakes are high. Newcastle took heat last year for how they spent the Alexander Isak fee. They brought in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. Wissa alone cost about €60 million from Brentford, and he was already pushing 30.
Last season didn’t go well. No European football this year. That hurts. So the Magpies need to get these moves right. They have the money. Now they have to spend it smartly.
Whether Manzambi becomes the guy or not, one thing is clear: Newcastle isn’t done shopping. Not yet.
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