Newcastle agree deal to sign Johan Manzambi from Freiburg | OneFootball

Newcastle United have reached a full agreement with Bundesliga side SC Freiburg to sign midfielder Johan Manzambi in a deal worth €60 million.

Following the high-profile sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, manager Eddie Howe prioritised acquiring an elite, versatile box-to-box midfielder at St James’ Park, leading to the club’s pursuit of Manzambi.

With club-to-club negotiations now successfully concluded, Newcastle are finalising the remaining paperwork, with a lucrative long-term contract in place for the Swiss prodigy.

Securing Manzambi represents a significant scouting coup for the Magpies, who had to outmanoeuvre Premier League competition to land their top target.

Aston Villa were also keen to enter the race after losing Amadou Onana to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

After an amazing 2025/26 campaign at club level, Manzambi’s stock has skyrocketed over the past month as he has established himself as the breakout star of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The ‘special’ midfielder has contributed three goals and two assists, anchoring Switzerland’s impressive run. He became the youngest Swiss player ever to score a World Cup brace during a 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and also earned a Man of the Match award against tournament co-hosts Canada.

Although he sustained a minor training injury that ruled him out of Switzerland’s last-16 win over Colombia, the setback did not deter Newcastle’s interest.

Manzambi remains focused on his international duties as Switzerland prepare for a quarter-final clash with reigning world champions Argentina.

The midfielder is expected to travel to Tyneside once his World Cup campaign concludes to complete his medical and finalise a move to St James’ Park.