It had looked like Newcastle United were set to sign Johan Manzambi after a standout World Cup campaign for Switzerland. But that deal has collapsed at the final step. Just like Victor Munoz, another Premier League club have swooped in late and are set to sign him right under the Magpies’ noses.
Manzambi is set to join Aston Villa. And Newcastle United have been left scrambling to find an alternative. The club badly need to strengthen in the middle of the park after seeing Sandro Tonali depart while the future of Bruno Guimaraes remains up in the air.
Potential alternatives seem to be off the table already. Andrey Santos is headed to Manchester United from Chelsea. A move for Lamine Camara has been described as ‘unlikely’.
It would not come as a surprise if the Magpies look around the Premier League for a proven option, rather than take a risk. And incidentally, a Manchester United player seems to have emerged on their radar.
Manchester United player wanted by Newcastle
According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle United are one of the clubs to have made an enquiry for Mason Mount. But it is believed that Manchester United are not looking to move on from the midfielder.
Mount joined Manchester United from Chelsea in 2023 for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of £60 million. At that point in time, he was one of the most highly rated players in the Premier League.
Mount had won the Chelsea Player of the Season award twice in four seasons. And he was also a Champions League winner from his time at Stamford Bridge.
Unfortunately, injuries have completely derailed his career. The first signs were there before he even joined Manchester United. And since ending up at Old Trafford, Mount has never really showcased his best.
Mason Mount would not be the right signing for Newcastle United
There is no doubt that Mount was a phenomenal talent. He was genuinely a midfielder who could score and assist ten times each on a consistent basis.
But Newcastle United need to focus on what he is, not what he used to be. Right now, Mount is someone who struggles with fitness problems, has lost his form and is probably on a huge contract.
Signing Mount at this point in time makes little sense for Newcastle United. If he was available as a free agent, perhaps the risk would be worth it. But not right now.
Newcastle United need to bring in someone who will walk straight into the starting XI and perform consistently throughout the season. At least in my opinion, Mount is not that player anymore.
