Newcastle United are closing in on a move to sign Sean Steur of Ajax out of nowhere. Nobody had seen the move coming before the news broke last night, and was further confirmed this morning. But that has led to many questioning the status of the interest in Johan Manzambi.
The fans have already seen the Victor Munoz deal collapse in the final steps, as Liverpool swooped in late and got the transfer done instead. Naturally, there are worries around this move as well.
Manzambi has enjoyed a standout World Cup campaign. He has scored three goals and provided two assists for Switzerland in just two starts across the tournament.
Of course, that kind of form will have caught the eye of clubs around Europe. And that will only make a move more difficult to pull off for Newcastle United. Even more worryingly, the tone around this transfer saga is already starting to change. Seeds of doubt have already been planted.
Newcastle United remain interested in Johan Manzambi despite Sean Steur deal
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Newcastle United remain interested in signing Manzambi, but he is waiting until after his World Cup participation with Switzerland is over until he decides what he is going to do.
This is a tough deal for Newcastle United to pull off. Mazambi has a lot of options, particularly after his performances for Switzerland at the World Cup.
The only positive piece of news that Downie confirmed is that Newcastle United’s move for Steur hasn’t altered their stance on Manzambi.
Newcastle United are believed to have been following Manzambi from even before the World Cup. But it is safe to say that making a transfer happen has become a lot more complicated, and expensive, now than it would have been back then.
Could Johan Manzambi move still happen?
A move to Newcastle United could still happen. Let us not count out the possibility completely. That being said, alternate plans need to be put in place.
It is only natural that Manzambi will draw interest following his displays at the World Cup. That rings even truer considering where the transfer market stands these days.
Most of the focus is on signing youngsters rather than trying to bring in ‘ready-made’ talent. The Magpies seem to be following the path themselves.
They have parted ways with key players like Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali. But it does not look like the plan is to bring in replacements who are in the same phase of their careers or anywhere even close.
