Newcastle United have done some good work in this summer transfer window so far. They have brought in Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim, Sean Steur from Ajax and Ewen Jaouen from Reims. That is a good core of young talents from across Europe. But overall, this period of time cannot be considered a positive.
The Magpies have had to say goodbye to a number of their best players as well. Sandro Tonali made a club-record move to Tottenham Hotspur. Anthony Gordon joined FC Barcelona. And there is heavy speculation around the future of Bruno Guimaraes, who could potentially leave for Arsenal, with personal terms already in place.
On the other hand, Newcastle United have already missed out on some of their first-choice replacements as well. For example, Victor Munoz ended up joining Liverpool after everything had seemed to be in place for a move to St James’ Park.
And unfortunately, that is not the only time that one of the Magpies’ signings has been hijacked this summer. It looks like we are about to see a repeat.
Fabrizio Romano confirms bad news for Newcastle United
According to Fabrizio Romano, Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa is here we go. There is a verbal agreement in place for a fee slightly in excess of €60 million, as SC Freiburg accepted the proposal.
There is also a verbal agreement with Manzambi and the Swiss midfielder’s agency over personal terms. A long-term deal is in place.
It was widely reported in the media that Newcastle United had agreed a deal with SC Freiburg to sign Manzambi. But unfortunately, it looks like other opportunities were more appealing to the Swiss World Cup standout.
It is easy to see why that might have been the case. Aston Villa will be in the Champions League next season. And overall, they have been more consistent than Newcastle United over these past few years.
Where do Newcastle go from here?
This has to be a disheartening situation for Newcastle United fans. To see players turn down the chance to join the club time and again, even though they are ready to pay the required transfer fee, cannot be a good feeling.
Manzambi is clearly a brilliant talent. He did well for SC Freiburg last season and had his breakout moment at the global level at this World Cup.
To be honest, it is a bit surprising that one of the Big Six did not come calling for Manzambi. He is set to end up at Aston Villa instead.
As for Newcastle United, their fans will be hoping that the club prepared for this exact scenario and have been keeping an eye out for alternative targets as well.
