With Sandro Tonali leaving for Tottenham Hotspur in a £100 million transfer deal, Newcastle United clearly need to strengthen their midfield. The club will need to be smart about reinvesting that sum and somehow improve the overall squad. Going all out to find a like-for-like replacement for the Italian international might not be the right choice under the current circumstances.
We have already seen Newcastle United agree a deal to sign with Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure. It looks like they are already looking towards making the next signing.
This time around, it is a midfielder that the Magpies have on their radar. And it looks like personal terms are already in place with him, if reports coming out are on the mark.
According to a report from Dutchie Bowen, Newcastle United have agreed personal terms with Johan Manzambi. The Magpies have already started talks with SC Freiburg as well. The club expects to reach an agreement. The offer is set to be a £50 million package.
Johan Manzambi enjoying standout World Cup campaign with Switzerland
It looks like Newcastle United view the 20-year-old Swiss midfielder as Tonali’s replacement. Manzambi is currently enjoying a standout World Cup campaign with Switzerland.
In three group stage matches, Manzambi scored three goals and provided an assist as well. Remarkably, he started just one of those games.
That just goes to show how vital Manzambi was to Switzerland topping the group and making it into the knockout rounds of the World Cup. Without him, they might very well have been knocked out already.
In fact, that looked very possible after their opening game draw against Qatar. The Swiss side bounced back though, with a large share of the credit belonging to Manzambi’s output.
What Johan Manzambi brings to Newcastle United
Manzambi is 20 years of age. So, it would be unrealistic to expect him to come in and immediately replace one of the best players in the Premier League.
In the long run though, Manzambi does have the potential to be a key player for Newcastle United. And that opinion is not based on just his form at the ongoing World Cup.
Manzambi was excellent last season for SC Freiburg as well. He scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 47 appearances across all competitions.
Manzambi’s versatility can be an asset to the Magpies as well. He plays largely in the middle of the park but can play as a second striker as well and even on the wing if the situation calls for it.
