Newcastle United’s youth-focused rebuild has taken another major step, even as the club continues to fight to keep Bruno Guimaraes from following Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon out of St. James’ Park.
According to The Guardian’s Louise Taylor, Newcastle has agreed a £51.5 million deal, roughly €60 million, with Freiburg for Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi.
“Newcastle have agreed a £51.5m deal with Freiburg that should see the Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi swap the Bundesliga for the Premier
League,” Taylor reported.
Manzambi is expected to sign a long-term contract with Newcastle, although the move will not be completed while Switzerland remains alive at the World Cup.
The 20-year-old has been one of the breakout players of the tournament, but he is currently dealing with a minor knee injury before Switzerland’s quarterfinal against Argentina on Saturday.
Newcastle has also announced the £23 million, roughly €27 million, signing of Sean Steur from Ajax. After Toure and Steur, Manzambi would become the latest young, high-upside arrival in Ross Wilson’s reset.
On the Bruno front, which might allow for a much more palatable Manzambi transfer if the former is sold, Taylor reported that Newcastle is still refusing to sell the Brazilian despite Arsenal’s interest, though the club knows the situation has become more complicated.
“Newcastle, meanwhile, remain insistent they have no intention of selling Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal but are aware the Brazil midfielder has become unsettled on Tyneside,” Taylor reported.
Taylor added that a new contract could still change the situation, but a bid around £75 million, roughly €87 million, could force Newcastle into a decision, and profit big time for the third occasion this summer.
