Newcastle United are reportedly close to securing the signature of Swiss international Johan Manzambi for an estimated 50 million, with Freiburg accepting their bid in principle.
The 20-year-old midfielder has lit up the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning the attention of many of the continent’s elite. The Magpies have, though, moved at lightning speed after boosting their offer this week.
Manzambi has been outstanding in the global tournament, scoring three goals and assisting another two in his four caps.
The box-to-box midfielder scored twice from the bench against Bosnia and Herzegovina before netting again in a group victory over tournament co-hosts Canada. The 20-year-old would be a crucial addition for Eddie Howe’s side, who lost 100m man Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, and are trying to fend off Arsenal for captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Manzambi had made his breakthrough prior to his performances at the World Cup, amassing 58 appearances for Freiburg after coming through their academy, scoring seven and assisting nine in a seventh-place league finish that saw the club reach the final of the UEFA Europa League.
Newcastle United sees the talented midfielder as the type of player to come in and be a genuine Premier League difference maker.
