Newcastle agree £50m deal for Freiburg's Manzambi as midfield crisis deepens

Newcastle United have agreed a fee of around £50m with SC Freiburg for midfielder Johan Manzambi, according to reports from Sky Germany, with a long-term contract already prepared for the 20-year-old.

Manzambi had been one of Newcastle’s primary midfield targets before the World Cup began, but his performances for Switzerland — three goals and two assists across the tournament — will have only strengthened the club’s resolve to get the deal done. Aston Villa and other clubs also registered interest in the player over the summer.

The Belgian-born Swiss international arrives with a solid Bundesliga foundation behind him. In 38 appearances for Freiburg, Manzambi scored seven goals and contributed five assists, numbers that underline his promise at an age when many players are still finding their footing in top-flight football.

The signing comes at a turbulent time for Newcastle’s midfield. Sandro Tonali has already left, joining Tottenham Hotspur in a £100m deal, while club captain Bruno Guimarães has informed the club of his desire to join Arsenal. Newcastle have publicly insisted Guimarães is not for sale this summer, though the situation remains unresolved.

Manzambi’s arrival would follow that of Dutch midfielder Sean Steur, whose move from Ajax was officially confirmed earlier on the same day. Newcastle have also been monitoring Monaco’s Lamine Camara as they look to reshape a midfield that has been significantly disrupted by departures.

Further outgoings are expected at St James’ Park, with the club open to offers for Joe Willock among others as Eddie Howe’s squad continues to take shape ahead of the new season.