World Cup revelation Manzambi close to €60m Newcastle transfer

Johan Manzambi, Switzerland’s breakout star at this World Cup, is reportedly on the verge of joining Newcastle United for a transfer estimated at 60 million euros, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.

At 20 years old and trained in Geneva, the Fribourg attacking midfielder impressed during the group stage with three goals and one assist. He also provided another assist in the victory against Algeria (2-0) in the round of 16. Aston Villa is also among his suitors, but Newcastle appears to be leading the race for his signature.

His immediate future remains uncertain due to his health status. Troubled by a knee injury, Manzambi missed the round of 16 against Colombia, which Switzerland won on penalties (0-0, 4-3 a.e.t.) without him. His status for the quarter-final against Argentina, scheduled for Saturday to Sunday night, remains unclear — a match the entire country is eagerly awaiting.

The Nati knows what it would lose without him: since the start of the tournament, no Swiss player has had as much impact on attacking play. If his knee allows him to keep his place, Manzambi will have the opportunity to confirm his status against one of the world’s best teams before potentially taking a new step by joining English elite.