Newcastle United’s pursuit of Johan Manzambi has ended in yet another disappointment, continuing a recent trend of high-profile transfer targets choosing other clubs.
The Freiburg midfielder looked on course to join Eddie Howe’s side after Newcastle agreed a deal with the Bundesliga club and the player, but The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that Aston Villa have now moved ahead after convincing the Switzerland international to choose Villa Park instead.
Manzambi’s decision makes him the 10th player
Newcastle have failed to sign since the start of the 2024 summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
The latest setback follows Liverpool hijacking Newcastle’s move for Victor Munoz earlier this summer, despite the Magpies agreeing a fee with Osasuna, reaching personal terms with the player, and agreeing agent commissions.
Last summer proved equally frustrating. Newcastle failed to land Hugo Ekitike despite submitting a club-record bid to Eintracht Frankfurt, with the striker ultimately preferring Liverpool. Benjamin Sesko also chose Manchester United even though Newcastle’s second offer reportedly exceeded the financial package RB Leipzig ultimately accepted.
Joao Pedro opted for Chelsea after Newcastle opened talks with Brighton, while Bryan Mbeumo also ended up at Manchester United despite interest from St. James’ Park.
The Magpies were also unable to convince Dean Huijsen, who joined Real Madrid after his release clause was triggered, or Liam Delap, who chose Chelsea following Ipswich Town’s relegation.
In net, Newcastle agreed a fee with Burnley for James Trafford only for Manchester City to activate their matching clause and re-sign the England international.
The trend stretches back to the summer of 2024, when Newcastle made three unsuccessful bids for Marc Guehi before Crystal Palace kept hold of the defender. Guehi later joined Manchester City.
While the circumstances surrounding each deal were different, several players ultimately favored clubs offering Champions League football or destinations they viewed as more attractive, with all other clubs competing for titles on a yearly basis.
Newcastle, meanwhile, has responded by completing deals for younger talents this summer, including Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure and Ewen Jaouen, while continuing to pursue additional reinforcements but clearly operating as a small club looking for future profits more than the once-promised World-dominating side PIF sold the fans.
